Grilling for the Holidays
Tis the season for caroling, shopping, freezing, snowing, sharing, giving, and, of course, maybe the most important part which is spending time with friends and family. It’s this time of year that we get together to be thankful as the Pilgrims did so many years ago and then to share and give on Christmas Eve and Christmas as well as ring in the new year to cap off the season. All of these special nights usually require a great deal of cooking. Why not break out of the mold and do something on the grill? Click below to see how to make what’s in those pictures yourselves with step by step and picture by picture instructions on how to do each one…
Nothing is more traditional than the holiday bird but why not leave the tradition right there and step out of the kitchen and make one on the grill? Add some sweet smoke flavor to the bird this year and do it on the grill and you may never cook one indoors again.
Not grilling for a crowd but still want a succulent turkey? May I suggest a whole or even split turkey breast. This guy will easy feed four and possibly even six. All that great turkey flavor, including that crispy skin, shorter cooking time without having to buy a 20 pounder.
How about a little less traditional than the turkey or the ham? It’s a time to celebrate. Go all out and try this Grillin Fools favorite. My dad has this down to a science so follow his step by step instructions and you will blow the minds of your friends and family.
And a little farther off the beaten path is one of my favorites – lamb. These succulent little meat lollipops can be served as an entree or an appetizer. That link has two different marinades and most can’t decide which is better but all agree that they are both great.
New Years Eve is becoming more and more of a night to stay in and revel over a good meal than go out to the bars and revel in, well, revelry. It’s also a night where my family tends to go all out on a seafood dish and the GrillinFools have a few options for you on that front.
Whole lobsters, prawns, and escargot
Disclaimer – OK, I realize that there was in fact no grilling involved in this recipe, but I hope you don’t hold that against it. It was one of the best meals I have ever had and so simple. In fact we are planning on repeating this endeavor this year on NYE. Boiled whole lobsters, stuffed prawns, and escargot on the fancy eatin’ plates. MmmmmMmmmm
Grilled crab legs along with a butter boil of shrimp, scallops and little neck clams
The butter boil is an amazing app or side dish that is the epitome of a social dish. Couple sticks of butter in a grill safe pot (although this can be done on the stove but don’t tell anyone), some white wine, garlic, maybe some herbs if you feel the need, insert some seafood, simmer till done and hand everyone a fork. Eat it right out of the pot.
And for the main course, watching Alton Brown recently, he said the single best way to cook crab legs was on the grill based on the fact that they are already cooked and then frozen. He said it’s better than boiling them with a crab boil and after having them both ways I have to agree. My wife, who is not a fan of the grill (ironic, ain’t it?) prefers them this way over the traditional method of boiling them.
Grilled sea bass, shrimps, sweet potatoes, salad and even a dessert
Why not make NYE a date night such as my cousin, Tom, and his wife did over the summer. NYE doesn’t have to be all shell fish or prime rib. What better night than to make an elaborate meal to impress someone than on NYE?
Lobster is downright cheap these days and what better time to practice on them than right now? Better to prefect your lobster grilling technique right now when they are cheap so when the price does go back up, you won’t be too intimidated by the cost to try this amazing crustacean on the grill.
And don’t forget this appetizer. The response we have gotten from the Pig Candy is phenomenal. I can’t stress enough how much you need to try this. Even next to a whole lobster the talk of the evening for the weeks to come will be the pig candy.
Check back soon for a grilled ham recipe that I hope to have up in the near future.
As usual, if you have any questions please leave a comment below or feel free to shoot me an email at Scott@GrillinFools.com
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Lamb, Lobster, Sea Bass … oh my!!!
To MYOTG
Grilled 4 racks of lamb Saturday night–marinated in fresh pesto from Sam’s, onion, and, of course, garlic. Seared on thr grill and served medium rare to rare–just super! Main side was Mimi’s risotto with truffle cheese and all washed down with a little Pinot Noir. Try the Prime Rib–did that on Sunday Night–oh my!! It’s easier than grilling burgers!
Merry Christmas
and all the season’s best to you and your family…