Food Channel's Top Ten Grilled Faves

While we’re nearing the heart of the Grilling Season, it seemed a perfect time to poll the foodies at The Food Channel. Submitted by secret ballot, we’d like to present the Top Ten Most Craved Grilled Foods of our chefs, culinary artists and food writers.

1. Burgers. Most just listed “burgers,” but two were specific, mentioning “sirloin burgers” and “turkey burgers”

2. Chicken. Again some were generic in their mention of the bird, while others listed Beer Can Chicken (2), Breasts, Wings, Drumsticks

3. Salmon. Finished in the money. One person specifying “Salmon Grilled on a Cedar Plank”

4. Ribeye Steak. If we had simply lumped every “steak” vote together, it would have finished on top, but everyone was very specific here. New York Strips and T-Bones also had votes, but Ribeye was the clear cut steak champ.

5. Corn on the Cob. We love our grilled corn here at The F.C. One person specified ”...with chili lime butter.” Mmm.

6. Fresh Peaches. This was a bit of a surprise. But the peach people were quite passionate. Some suggested taking the peaches directly from the grill and topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you haven’t tried this yet, you might want to make a mental note.

7. Fresh Vegetables. We painted with a broad brush here. But there it is.

8. Brats/Hot Dogs. It would seem kind of unAmerican if these wieners finished out of the top ten. What’s a summer family cookout without them?

9. Pork Tenderloin. The Other White Meat cracks the top ten.

10. Ribs. Just squeaking in at the ten spot. Could be beef, could be pork. No one specified.

How Do The Food Channel Choices Compare with the Rest of the USA?

Here is the list of the top 10 foods grilled in American homes, according to market research firm NPD, as reported by Ann Bagel Storck on Meatingplace.com. We noticed there’s no mention of peaches.

• Burgers (any, with or without bun)
• Steak
• Chicken
• Hot dogs
• Pork chops
• Potatoes
• Vegetables
• Other pork cuts
• Sausage
• Seafood

More People Grilling Than Ever

Outdoor grill use in the United States is at an all-time high, according to the 22nd annual “Eating Patterns in America” report from the NPD Group.

In 1985, 17 percent of U.S. households used a grill for dinner at least once during an average two-week period throughout the year; in 2007, it was 38 percent, NPD says. NPD Vice President Harry Balzer attributes the rise in grilling to increased ownership of gas grills and the growing number of men cooking at home.