FAMILY FEATURES

What's influencing popular flavors on the grill this season? Big spice profiles, regional American twists, adventurous global inspirations and new tart-sweet combinations will be stoking the fires for a delicious grilling season – as shown in the new McCormick Grill Mates and Lawry's Flavor Forecast 2011: Grilling Edition.

An expanded arsenal of ingredients, techniques and tools has become the modern grill master's badge of honor. According to a 2010 segmentation study titled "Grilling Attitude and Usage," conducted by deKadt Marketing and Research Inc., as the art of grilling continues to evolve, 73 percent of today's grillers say they are looking for the latest trends and techniques. In fact, three quarters of them like to layer flavors and ingredients.

"We see the growing obsession with bolder and more exciting tastes reach a fever pitch during grilling season," said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. "There's a real willingness to try new flavors and preparations. For example, now that grillers are confident in a 'basic' grilled steak, they're adding big flavor with a zesty balsamic marinade and serving it sliced over a colorful salad, with a sweet and tangy blueberry dressing."

For more recipes, tips and trend information visit www.flavorforecast.com.