The hardest part is having the patience and self control to not poke, prod or move the food until it is ready. It’s simple, the most important part is starting with a clean, well oiled and hot grill.  Whichever side of or grilling item you plan on presenting is the first side to grill, simply place the item at a 45° angle.  Lift the item gently with tongs, without moving it check for your desired doneness. When you are ready turn the item, give it a quarter turn to another hot spot to create an X or cross-hatch pattern. When you have reached the marks you desire, you are ready to flip and repeat on the other side, just make sure to move your item to a new hot spot on the grill.  If you are using delicate foods and want the appearance of a grilled item you can heat up well oiled metal skewers and essentially brand the item with the hot skewers in a diamond pattern.

Burnt wooden skewers?  Soak them in water overnight for best results or try using fresh rosemary stems for great flavor.   Impress your friends at your next picnic and make your kebob’s ahead of time, pack them up and let them marinade.  Grilling is easy and quick.  Kebobs are fun and healthy way to make any picnic a gourmet experience.  Don’t limit yourself to the same old hotdogs and burgers.  Check out the recipe for Ginger Chicken Kebob’s and pair it up with Baked Cilantro-Lime Rice for a refreshing gourmet picnic treat.