Winter cooking: 'Tis the season to grill

The bold, unique flavor of grilled foods is more popular than ever - from steaks (the hands down favorite), burgers and chicken, to grilled vegetables and appetizers. And while grilling is typically thought to be the quintessential summer cooking activity, an increasing number of Americans are firing up their grills year-round.

In fact, winter is becoming the new grilling season, according to the NPD Group's 23rd annual Eating Patterns in America report. So if you find yourself looking wistfully at the patio and dreaming about grilling without having to stand in the cold, an indoor grill is your best bet.

Today's manufacturers offer indoor grills that allow you to enjoy the flavors of outdoor cooking any time of year. For example, Calphalon'a Removable Plate Grill has an oversized grilling surface that makes it easy to sear large steaks, chicken and pork chops or even delectable panini sandwiches. The exclusive Opti-Heat system ensures even heat delivery and the high-performance bronze nonstick surface allows for low-fat or non-fat cooking. The adjustable grill height fits even the thickest burgers, or can lightly brown delicate foods such as fish or seafood. So what's the most popular grill flavor?

Not surprisingly, barbeque flavors ranked among "Flavor and The Menu" magazine's Top 10 Flavors Trends of the year. Even children's tastes have evolved. They have learned to enjoy flavors that often accompany grilled foods; International Flavors and Fragrances Group data shows that "classic" children's flavors now include sour cream and onion, buffalo, and honey-mustard.

And while men typically grill more than women, indoor grilling is so user-friendly that it encourages all home cooks to experiment and go beyond the basics, recreating the foods of specialty restaurants like panini, quesadillas and crostini - more proof that as classics prevail, the American palate is expanding and growing more sophisticated. Another advantage: Indoor grilling makes for easy clean-up. The Calphalon'a Removable Plate Grill features grill plates and an internal drip tray that are removable and dishwasher safe.

So brush off the tongs and heat up the indoor grill. Invite some friends over to enjoy a meal or snack while watching the game on TV. Then sit back and relax in the warmth of your home.

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