When you are planning a backyard cookout, it pays to get some of the work done ahead of time. One of the best ways to do so is to use dry rubs and moist pastes to add bold flavor to foods, particularly meat or poultry destined for the grill. Apply them up to 24 hours in advance for mouth-watering results!

When planning a summertime meal for the grill, choose dishes that can be prepared in the cool of the morning. Usually this means marinating meat and refrigerating it until it's time to fire up the grill.