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(NC)'There is nothing that says summer like grillin' and chillin' at the backyard BBQ. Steaks, chicken, ribs or burgers, they all seem to taste better when cooked on the grill. But as good as they taste now, there are a number of "tips" that can help you make the most of your summer grill

Jack Daniel's has long been a part of BBQing in the US, sponsoring a number of BBQ contests and being a key ingredient in some of the best BBQ sauces. We've assembled a few of the tips that have helped past winners of those competitions, and have listed them here for you:

1. Start with a clean grill. Although that salmon you prepared last night was the best ever, it probably won't enhance the taste of the hamburgers you're having today. Scrub the grill with a wire brush and abrasive pad to remove all remnants of your past successes. You're about to create a new masterpiece!

2. Oil the grill with a good vegetable or olive oil. You've paid good money for the food you're about to cook. Let's not leave part of it stuck to the grill!

3. Pre-heat the grill on high for at least 10 ' 15 minutes, or light the charcoal about 20 ' 30 minutes before you start the cooking. You want to be sure the grill is hot enough to sear the meat to seal in the natural juices.

4. Place a foil pie plate half-filled with extra marinade mixed with water on the searing surface (flavourizer bars, lava rocks, etc) directly under the part of the grill where the meat will be. Used with thicker cuts of meat, this will help to add flavour and keep the meat juicy.

5. Season the food lightly before placing it on the grill. Food has wonderful natural flavour that BBQing enhances. If you like a bit of spice, try a dry rub or a marinade (which will also help to tenderize less expensive cuts of meat).

6. After quickly searing the meat on both sides, reduce the heat to medium (raise the rack if using charcoal) and close the grill cover. Resist the temptation to open the grill cover more than just twice more'once to turn the meat, and then for the final five minutes. Doing this will make the food wonderfully tender.

7. Put sauces on the food in the last 5 minutes of grilling time. Most sauces have fats and sugar in them which will burn if put on too early. The fire department has better things to do than helping you cook.

This sauce is great for perking up any simply grilled meats, poultry or fish. Brush it on just minutes before you pull the meat off the grill.

Jack's Secret Weapon All-Purpose BBQ Glaze

1/2 cup Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Visit the Jack Daniel's website at www.jackdaniels.com, to find lots of good ideas to help with your Summer Grill.

- News Canada