Spring is the time of year when, for many Americans, cooking shifts from the kitchen to the backyard barbecue. A few hints for better grilling: Be sure your equipment is clean and in good working order. If your grill is gas-fired, check to see that your gas supply is adequate. If you use wood or charcoal, make sure you have an understanding of the way it burns. They burn at different rates and different heats. Don't be in too big a hurry. Always allow time for the grill to preheat and try to cook so the flames never touch the grilled items. All good barbecue shares a common procedure -- slow cooking. For added flavor, add wood chips to the grill to create smoke. Wrap the chips in tin foil, punch a few holes in the top and toss them onto the hot coals. With a little practice, you'll be the envy of your neighborhood. And that's the On The House tip for today.