Spring into the Outdoor Season! Grilling and Picnicking

The air is getting warmer, the sun is shining more often and tiny green shoots are beginning to push their way out of the earth. It's nearly spring - a favorite time of year for so many people. Spring is a time of renewal, and emergence from our winter 'hibernation'. We step outside and breathe in the fresh air and immediately start to think of fun times spent outdoors. Bicycle rides, walks in the park, grilling, and picnicking are suddenly on the horizon. While summer is traditionally the most popular season for grilling, spring is a great time to take advantage of the bountiful produce that is now appearing on market shelves. Why not step out into the sunshine with your friends and family, and have a cookout picnic?

Outdoor grilling is such a great way to prepare delicious, flavorful food and enjoy the company of those you love. Cooking out in your own backyard is a great place to start, but take it to a neighborhood park or to the beach, and you've got a memorable excursion that you'll want to repeat again and again! Having a cookout picnic is easy when you've got the right tools. The Phoenix Deluxe BBQ Basket and Tool Set, pictured, includes everything you need for portable grilling fun. This set includes a spatula, fork, tongs, apron, BBQ mitt, and even a chef's hat so you'll look the part. Best of all, it folds compact and has sturdy leather straps for easy carrying. The high quality ensures that you'll enjoy this great set for years to come. Concerned about packing up a cooler, plates, utensils, cups - and making sure you don't forget anything? That's what fully fitted picnic baskets are for. Get yourself a family-sized basket which includes all of the above and more, such as the Elite Picnic Basket for 4. It even comes with cloth napkins, mini salt and pepper shakers, and a picnic blanket - everything you need for a great meal on the go.

Outdoor grilling in the spring is a wonderful opportunity to experience new flavor combinations and cook up some healthy dishes full of ripe, delicious vegetables. Marinate some asparagus in lemon juice, garlic, white wine and a little pepper and throw it on the grill - you won't believe how tasty it is. Some other great ideas for spring grilling include vegetable and chicken fajitas, skewers with your favorite veggies and meat, portabella mushrooms, and even paninis. Just butter up some crusty focaccia bread and toss it on the grill along with a chicken breast, sliced red pepper, and rings of sliced onion. Put it all together with some provolone or mozzarella cheese, tomato, and fresh basil leaves when it's done, and you've got a bistro classic with that smoky grill flavor.

Keep food safety in mind while grilling - a good item to have on hand is a food thermometer, so you can ensure that your meat is fully cooked before eating. For more food safety tips, see Picnic Food Safety.