Celebrate National Barbecue Month

May marks National Barbecue Month. What better way to kick off summer than with a celebration of one of the season’s most quintessential foods?

There are multiple styles and methods associated with barbecue, with strong regional loyalty. Sauces and rubs vary by state, city and even neighborhood. Smoking or roasting are the main cooking methods.

Here are some tips for making the most of National Barbecue Month:

• Be interactive. This is a great opportunity to organize a potluck with other barbecue fans. Instruct your friends to bring their favorite dish and the recipe to share.

• Get creative. Stray from the basic burger and hot dog menu and experiment with new recipes and ingredients. Go vegetarian. Incorporate an international variation like Korean barbecue.

• Don’t skimp on the sides. Balancing the main dish with outstanding sides is an art. Perfect some side-dish recipes to wow your guests.

• Make sure you have the right equipment. Be on the lookout for deals on grills and smokers to up your barbecue game.

• Serious barbecue fanatics, join the National Barbecue Association. On their website you’ll find general barbecue resources and information on upcoming events and programs.

• Visit one (or more) of these notable barbecue joints: Franklin Barbecue (Austin, Texas), Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City, Kan.), A&R Bar-B-Que (Memphis, Tenn.), Bogart’s Smokehouse (St. Louis), Backyard BBQ Pit (Durham, N.C.) and Swig & Swine (Charleston, S.C.).