Grilling on the Deck for the Winter Holidays: Break Out the Warm Salads!
Why heat up the kitchen this holiday season when you can be grilling on the deck? It’s a great way to prepare steak, roast beef, ham or any number of holiday entrees. Plus, you could prepare appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, hot beverages and desserts on the grill too! So why get your beautiful kitchen all dirty this holiday season while having friends and family over? Instead, take the cooking party outside!
As examples, let’s look at a few grilled salad ideas to pair with that Christmas goose:
Cauliflower isn’t out of season just yet and it holds up well when it comes to grilling on the deck. Simply purchase a large head of fresh cauliflower at your local supermarket or produce store, then cut it in half. Baste each half with either butter or your family’s favorite oil or broth on to a hot, seasoned grill. Gently turn them once, using a pair of barbecue tongs and baste again. Also, consider adding some simple seasoning to the cauliflower halves too.
When both cauliflower halves are tender and brown, remove them from the heat. They may be served whole as a side dish or broken up and added to warm salads made with wild rice or wilted greens. And if you choose the side dish option, don’t forget to top them with shredded cheese while they’re still hot( is your mouth watering yet? ).
Grilled turkey, chicken breast and ham steaks are ideal for holiday salads too. Once the meats have been grilled to the perfect temperature and allowed to rest, cut them into salad size pieces. Then add winter fruits, vegetables and greens. The fruits and veggies, by the way, may be grilled or left raw. Either way, they’ll mesh perfectly with the grilled meats.
Oh, and one more thing. After grilling holiday meals on the deck, remember to break out the cleaners. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that grilled cauliflower and other dinner remnants won’t awaken the local wildlife’s appetites or drive the neighbors’ dogs bonkers ( even more bonkers than they have been lately). To learn more about making winter dinners on the deck a stockings down success, please contact us today.
