‘Tis the season — grilling season!

Summer is the most glorious time to fire it up and tend to some beautiful cuts of meat.

BUT, it can be not so pleasurable if you don’t know what you’re doing.

If you’re a newbie or just need a little refresher, here’s a quick Grilling 101 course for your summertime enjoyment…

1. Selecting the best cut for the job depends on what you’re going for. Meaty and hearty or buttery tender? Make your cut decision after perusing this lesson on steak cuts and you won’t go wrong.
2. Season it early. Don’t just throw a piece of meat on the grill naked. The art of seasoning is important. Read about its artistry and other steak grilling tips from a chef here.
3. Searing your steak is very important. But don’t just take it from me. Check out these steak grilling videos from the experts.

After you’ve read these lessons and watched the videos, you should ace the true test — grilling a steak that passes with flying colors!

You’re grilling out at the beach!

Fun times!

What are you going to take?

• Well, if there’s not already a grill set up down there, you’ll need a GRILL!
• Plus, all the accompaniments — charcoal, lighter, etc. — whatever heat source it requires.
• Then, I suggest something customizable like the KABOBS above or BURGERS.
• You can marinate or season either before bringing them onto the sand and then just pop them onto the grill when you’re ready.
• Everyone can create exactly the kabob or burger they like with the fixings you provide. So offer plenty.
• You’ll need a CLEAN PLATTER to serve your main entree on, plus plates for each person.
• Ensure that all of your serving trays and plastic tubs are COVERED or coverable. There are lot of flying critters out there by the water and we don’t want them feasting on your beautiful meal.
• And aside from all the things we know you’ll remember (sides, utensils, condiments) make sure to bring lots and lots of BEVERAGES. A large quantity and a large variety. The beach is dehydrating so bring tons of liquid!

Summer goes by fast, so have a wonderful time on your next beach cookout — and when you’re prepared it’s easy as pie!

Since it’s National Picnic Month (what, you didn’t know that?) let’s get outside and pack the perfect picnic foods!

Now, there’s all sorts of ways we can do this.

1. You can go the safe route and pack bologna sandwiches and chips. Boring.

2. You can grill something delicioso, pack it up and head outdoors.

-OR-

3. You can bring along a portable grill to your picnic destination, grill up some goodies and have yourself a real PICNIC!

I choose #2 or #3.

Honestly, the enjoyment of the picnic is proportionate to the quality of the food you bring.

Your picnic spot may not be conducive to portable grilling. I get that. So #2 is your best bet. Just be sure to grill JUST BEFORE you leave, pack those kabobs/steaks/burgers/what have you in airtight containers and enjoy right away.

Don’t forget all the proper utensils, condiments, plates, drinks, napkins etc. for your picnic foods. Sometimes a change of scenery makes us lose our minds. Just think through your meal as if you were sitting down at your own table. Only this time, you’ll be sitting on a blanket. Outside. Enjoying nature.

Oh. And pack a blanket.

You really can enjoy just about any meal in picnic form. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t try spaghetti out there. But grilled foods are perfect! Especially ones you can eat with your hands.

So get out there and enjoy your own customized picnic this month and join all the other revelers outdoors who are celebrating National Picnic Month, too!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.