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Summer Kicks-Off Outdoor Grilling Season

Wickles Pickles Offers Creative Recipe Solutions

Memorial Day is traditionally the start of the outdoor grilling season, a time when families and friends gather in the backyard, around the pool, or on the porch or deck and enjoy time visiting, reminiscing, eating and drinking.

Generally, mom heads-up the kitchen detail, with friends helping out with side dishes and appetizers and preparing meals for the children, while dad assumes the role as "grill master" -- responsible for cooking that hot dog, hamburger, chicken, fish, ribs, kebabs, or steak to tasty perfection.

A great gathering requires good preparation so your guests will walk away in anticipation of the next year's festivities. A visit to your local grocery store's condiment aisle is a must, but to avoid the same old boring recipes utilizing traditional household brand names. Consider stepping outside of the box to give your favorite dishes some added flavor.

Herbs -- Instead of dried herbs and spices, head for the produce section for fresh herbs. This is a great way to cut or save calories and fat in cooking, as well as adding zest and flavor to foods. Some favorites include basil, rosemary, dill, cilantro and mint, among others.

Dips & Spreads -- Salsa, not ketchup, is now our country's top selling condiment. Try adding diced mango or pineapple to your salsa recipe for more of a sweet flavor.

BBQ Sauce -- By upgrading the three main ingredients of BBQ sauce, tomatoes, vinegar and mustard, you can dramatically change the taste of your sauce. Be creative, and have your guests try out your variations.

Pickles/Relish -- For a change from the ordinary, try Wickles Pickles. Short for "wickedly delicious," these pickles are based on an 80-year-old secret family recipe packed in a sugary cider vinegar with spicy pepper and garlic, providing a balance of sweetness with a touch of heat.

"Our customers are always finding creative ways to incorporate our pickle products into their entertaining plans, adding pickle slices, relish, rings or strips to deviled eggs, chicken, tuna or potato salads, kabobs, dips or salad dressings," says Trey Sims, President of Sims Foods, Inc. Sims adds caution to his advice, noting that an open jar of Wickles Pickles often leads to an empty jar of Wickles Pickles.

So, as you prepare your summertime meals and entertaining, keep these simple tips in-mind. For more information visit .