Sinterklaas BBQ: Dutch Gift Evening on 5 December
A Sinterklaas BBQ brings a winter menu to the Dutch gift-giving evening, pakjesavond, on 5 December. Cook outdoors and let guests eat and open presents indoors if they prefer. This is a menu and planning guide, not a set of fixed cooking times: weather, equipment and ingredient size affect preparation.
Which rubs suit December?
Aromatic seasoning can suit a winter menu, but warming spice is different from chilli heat. Jamaican Jerk can be hot: check the current label and your guests’ preferences. Try Shawarma with lamb or cauliflower, and Memphis with ribs. Carolina Gold is another flavour option, not automatically suitable for every child or heat-averse guest. Check ingredients, allergens and salt.
Do not automatically add more rub because it is cold outside. Follow product directions and consider salt and the dish. Serve promptly on suitable warmed plates rather than trying to compensate for cold food with extra salt or seasoning.
A Sinterklaas BBQ menu
Ribs with Memphis
Cook indirectly and allow time for delays. Soft ribs are a texture preference, not a traditional Sinterklaas classic or a safety test.
Chicken thighs with Jamaican Jerk
Adjust heat to your guests. Check the thickest meat in several pieces without touching bone: at least 74°C (165°F) is a straightforward poultry safety target.
Grilled lamb with Shawarma
Choose a suitable cut and method. A thin lamb steak and a large shoulder need different approaches.
Sweet chestnuts with Carolina Gold
Buy edible sweet chestnuts, not horse chestnuts. Carefully score the shell before heating, using a sharp knife on a stable surface. Roast in a suitable chestnut pan or BBQ-safe dish, turning regularly, until the centre is soft. Ten minutes is not a universal guarantee. Cool until safe to handle, remove shell and inner skin, then season to taste.
Winter vegetables with Shawarma
Parsnips, beetroot and Brussels sprouts fit the menu. Cut appropriately, account for different cooking times and cook indirectly to the desired tenderness.
Hot chocolate with cinnamon
Serve at a safe drinking temperature, especially for children. Offer water and alcohol-free drinks too; whoever operates the grill and fire stays sober.
Planning and cooking in cold weather
A fixed 15–20% addition to cooking time is unreliable. Wind, outdoor temperature, insulation, fuel, load and opening the lid all affect progress. Allow a buffer, follow the appliance instructions and monitor actual grate temperature and internal temperature where relevant. Do not block vents to retain heat.
Keep raw meat refrigerated at around 4°C until needed, even if outdoors feels cold. Separate raw and cooked food and use clean serving tongs and dishes. Do not wash raw chicken. Serve in small rounds; a cold patio is not a temperature-controlled fridge.
Staying warm and safe outdoors
Do not use the BBQ as a patio heater. Keep charcoal and gas barbecues outdoors in open air, never in a house, shed, garage, tent or enclosed shelter, including while cooling. An open door or window does not make this safe. Keep away from combustible materials and follow the appliance clearances. Use stable ground and never move a lit grill.
Eat and exchange presents indoors if you like. Use warm clothing, adequate outdoor lighting and dry, clear walkways. Keep children, pets, loose sleeves and blankets away from flames and hot surfaces. A fire pit or chimenea is optional, not essential: use only where conditions permit, with its own safety instructions and supervision. Warm only plates approved for that use and follow their instructions, rather than applying 80°C to every plate.
Gifts for BBQ enthusiasts
Small gift (€8–12): a standard 100 g bag. The four rubs mentioned above cost €9.95 or €10.95 per bag at this review. Wrap it yourself in black paper with a gold ribbon if you like. Medium gift (€25–35): the €26.95 Starter Pack with three 100 g bags of your choice. The number of grilling evenings depends on use and party size. Let them choose: a gift card allows the recipient to select a flavour or pack. Check current product prices when ordering.
Before ordering, check current availability, processing and expected delivery for your destination. A general 3 December deadline does not guarantee arrival for pakjesavond. Shipping costs and any free shipping depend on the destination and order value.