Hello Loverly Peoples!
I have to share something with you all that just struck me as "something only a die-hard Canadian will do, eh".
Tonight I had a real hankerin' for a nice thick BBQ'd steak. Now, we here in Canada have had a pretty mild winter compared to usual (at least in our neck of the woods). Normally many Canadians pack up their BBQ with their lawnmower for the winter and break it out in the spring. Believe me, nothing smell more num-nummy than the smell of steak BBQing after a hiatus of approximately 6 - 8 months. You can't even begin to describe that ethereal smell wafting through the air which signals the beginning of spring in many parts of our fine country.
Well this year we have been rather privledged to be BBQing up to this point in our area (if it so interests you). The other night we had a bit of a snow storm which left the deck and BBQ covered with a beautiful blanket of snow. Well, what does any good Canadian do when she is just dyin' for a grilled steak. She heads out into the cold night in the proper apparel for BBQ shovelling.
I have to share something with you all that just struck me as "something only a die-hard Canadian will do, eh".
Tonight I had a real hankerin' for a nice thick BBQ'd steak. Now, we here in Canada have had a pretty mild winter compared to usual (at least in our neck of the woods). Normally many Canadians pack up their BBQ with their lawnmower for the winter and break it out in the spring. Believe me, nothing smell more num-nummy than the smell of steak BBQing after a hiatus of approximately 6 - 8 months. You can't even begin to describe that ethereal smell wafting through the air which signals the beginning of spring in many parts of our fine country.
Well this year we have been rather privledged to be BBQing up to this point in our area (if it so interests you). The other night we had a bit of a snow storm which left the deck and BBQ covered with a beautiful blanket of snow. Well, what does any good Canadian do when she is just dyin' for a grilled steak. She heads out into the cold night in the proper apparel for BBQ shovelling.
After a good five minutes shovelling the deck off (I've actually been keeping up with it this year...usually the snow builds up to the top of the rail), fresh air in my lungs, and cheeks rosy with excitement...I head to the BBQ . Only a good Canadian will dig the BBQ out of the snow and crank on the propane tank (with a bit of difficulty...when frozen, the knobby-thingy no-likey to turny). Next, one gently coaxes the "on-off knobs" (okay, so I'm not so technical). By coaxing, I mean chipping away the ice with the sharp corner of the shovel until they turn, and by gentle, I mean gripping the knob with gloved fingers and wrestling it until the ice cracks away and the knobs begin to move rather stubbornly...but they're movin' folks! Finally, with butane lighter in hand get a flame going that will be hot enough to melt any remaining ice of the BBQ (did I mention the lid also refused to budge, thereby needing to be "gently chipped at with aforementioned shovel???).
Next, one preps the potatoes for the Great Canadian grillin' experience.
Next, prep meat of choice -- tonight's feature a loverly selection of ribeye steaks (beef). However, for a truly Canadian experience one could try elk, buffalo, deer, or moose. But, alas, my hubby is not a hunter...ergo, we're grillin' the boeuf. I think we'll go with a sprinkle of garlic and a dash or Montreal steak spice for the flavah! Sounds pretty good so far, eh?
Now the grillin' may commence: Behold! The Great Canadian BBQ, eh?
Please note, by this point the "chef" (moi) has relieved herself of the previously needed outerwear. Now gone are the fleece, the knitted touque & scarf, no gloves. Just a short sleeved t-shirt, flannel pj bottoms, and boots are required for running in and out the door for flipping purposes (I know...totally sexy, eh?)...note...a true Canadian doesn't need no stinkin' socks in her boots!
The key to a Great Canadian winter BBQ is to be mindful of lifting the lid to the BBQ. When the temp outside reads -25 degrees C (approx. -18 degrees F) you want to be efficient in your requirement to lift the BBQ lid for flipping. Now, there can't be any dilly-dallying. You race outside, open lid, flip items quickly and without hesitation, close lid, then race back in the house. If you have done this successfully, you will not have felt any cold breezes on your bare arms or ankles. I must warn you, please exercise caution when handling metal tongs. We don't want them freezing to your hands!
Next, one preps the potatoes for the Great Canadian grillin' experience.
Next, prep meat of choice -- tonight's feature a loverly selection of ribeye steaks (beef). However, for a truly Canadian experience one could try elk, buffalo, deer, or moose. But, alas, my hubby is not a hunter...ergo, we're grillin' the boeuf. I think we'll go with a sprinkle of garlic and a dash or Montreal steak spice for the flavah! Sounds pretty good so far, eh?
Now the grillin' may commence: Behold! The Great Canadian BBQ, eh?
Please note, by this point the "chef" (moi) has relieved herself of the previously needed outerwear. Now gone are the fleece, the knitted touque & scarf, no gloves. Just a short sleeved t-shirt, flannel pj bottoms, and boots are required for running in and out the door for flipping purposes (I know...totally sexy, eh?)...note...a true Canadian doesn't need no stinkin' socks in her boots!
The key to a Great Canadian winter BBQ is to be mindful of lifting the lid to the BBQ. When the temp outside reads -25 degrees C (approx. -18 degrees F) you want to be efficient in your requirement to lift the BBQ lid for flipping. Now, there can't be any dilly-dallying. You race outside, open lid, flip items quickly and without hesitation, close lid, then race back in the house. If you have done this successfully, you will not have felt any cold breezes on your bare arms or ankles. I must warn you, please exercise caution when handling metal tongs. We don't want them freezing to your hands!
Finally, the grilled beast is ready, potatoes are garlicy, and veggies have been prepared. Time to go enjoy my Great Canadian BBQ. Talk to ya later, eh?
1 comment:
Beauty, eh? Nothin' like grilling in the snowdrifts to make a girl feel like she's conquered the elements. As I live in a state that borders the Great White North, I have but a small infusion of this great spirit.
But, I don't own a grill...
Post a Comment