When summer rolls around, it’s time to pull out the grill; however, after a few weeks of your favorite BBQ recipes, you might be in need of something new and different. Here are a few suggestions for cooking two traditional summer foods and some useful tips on bringing new flair to an old dish.

Surefire BBQ Chicken Recipes

Delicious BBQ chicken recipes can be found in any cookbook or online, but the real test comes when it’s time to put the meat on the grill. Chicken is an extremely versatile food with infinite seasoning options, but even the best recipe can be ruined by burned sauce, dry meat and too much smoky flavor.

For the best results – tender, juicy and flavorful meat – cook chicken seasoned with your favorite spices on low heat (preferably under 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for two to three hours, and apply your favorite BBQ sauces only during the last 10 to 15 minutes of grilling. Of course, you won’t always have the time to slow-cook the meat to perfection, but remember that chicken must always reach an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe for consumption.

Mouthwatering BBQ Rib Recipes

Just like chicken, great BBQ ribs require a lot of time and care. The debate about which BBQ rib recipes yield the most flavorful final result is ongoing, but the basic formula is a three-part process: pre-cooking, foiling, and glazing.

During the pre-cooking phase, the meat is boiled for 30 minutes or slow-smoked for up to three hours at approximately 225 degrees Fahrenheit in a smoker or on a brick barbecue. Next, the ribs are sealed in foil and placed in a cooler for one to two hours. Afterwards, they are unwrapped, glazed and returned to the smoker for another hour. Once you have mastered the art of smoking BBQ ribs, you can experiment with tasty BBQ sauces and different types of wood to enhance the smoky flavor.

BBQ Rubs, Sauces and Marinades

A cookout isn’t complete without the BBQ sauce, which is your chance to transform ordinary meats into mouthwatering entrées. A classic BBQ sauce usually consists of a tomato base with vinegar, a sweetener and spices. But why not try something a little less traditional this year and whip up a completely different kind of BBQ sauce? Whether you choose to buy a bottle from the supermarket or make your own, try a sauce with a few unexpected ingredients:

• White BBQ sauce. A white sauce combines a mayonnaise base with vinegar, lemon juice and appropriate spices.
• Mustard BBQ sauce. A basic recipe includes yellow mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, butter, sugar, lemon juice and pepper. It should be simmered over low heat before serving.
• Fruit. Add sweet, fruity flavor with apple, mango, apricot or preserves.

As an alternative to BBQ sauce or simple seasoning, try BBQ rubs and BBQ marinades. Even more versatile than sauce, BBQ rubs and marinades infuse meat with flavor and help to tenderize it. They’re also easy to dress up or dress down, depending on the meal and the guests. Be creative and search for interesting spice combinations to satisfy your taste buds. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Korean BBQ chicken marinade. A delightful combination of sugar, soy sauce, onion powder, ground ginger, lemon juice and sesame seeds.

• Sage rub. A savory sparerib flavor enhancer with ground sage, garlic powder, lemon pepper, rosemary and dried thyme.

You don’t have to be a master chef to plan a great summer cookout, but if you keep an open mind and work new flavors into your classic ingredients list, you’ll never be disappointed with what comes off the grill.