The smell of food grilling. The distant hum of a lawnmower. The warmth of the sun on your skin. Summer is here!
Planning a picnic or barbecue? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled the following tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your extra 24 hours of weekend. Read on!
GRILLING
Coat your food with oil before cooking; don’t brush it directly on the grill. This will help prevent juices from evaporating—and your food from sticking to the grate. (Grilling fish? Try placing slices of lemon on the grate and placing your fish on top!)
If you’re grilling shish kabobs, use two skewers instead of just one. It’ll keep the meat or veggies from spinning when you flip them, and make for easier overall handling.
For a pretty incredible new take on Bananas Foster, slice unpeeled bananas into quarters and dip the cut side in honey first, then cinnamon and sugar, before grilling. Add to vanilla ice cream and faint from happiness.
Wrap potatoes or other veggies in foil before grilling. This method has the benefit of marinating and steaming your food, adding flavor, and keeping it tender. Also, cleanup is a breeze!
(Got a new grill? Here are some safety tips)
PICNICKING
First things first: bring baby wipes! Sticky dried lemonade, barbeque sauce, chocolate cake—picnics are a messy business. Baby wipes will save the day every time (and a SquareTrade warranty will protect you against drops and spills!)
Nothing ruins a good picnic like setting your blanket down in the grass, only to realize the ground is wet. Keep your food (and your backside) dry with a water-resistant picnic blanket. This one is cute and comes with a handle!
Picnicking in a busy public park? Get there early to claim a prime spot, or consider contacting the city ahead of time to reserve your picnic table and grill.
If you plan to do a lot of picnicking this season, consider a picnic-in-a-backpack for super easy transport and setup. This one from VERDUGO comes with everything you’ll need for an epic spread…except the food.
CHEERS
Add mint leaves or lemon to water bottles and stick them in the freezer the night before your picnic. They’ll keep your food cold, and as they melt, you’ll have refreshing, ice-cold drinks!
If you’re bringing wine, do your future self a favor and buy a screw-top bottle.
Speaking of wine, these Steady Stick wine glass holders are great! Stick them in the ground and they’ll keep your wine glass steady while you eat that enormous two-hands-needed burger.
Finally, here’s to a fun and safe summer!
