Sunday, August 21, 2011

Trio of Grilled Fruit

This time of year fruit takes on an important role in the kitchen. Cool fruit salads, jellies and jams are the norm. But what some folks don't realize is fruit can be satisfyingly grilled for a unique approach to desserts.  One thing to note about grilling fruit: this is one situation where slightly unripe fruit is OK. Grilling will soften and sweeten the fruit.

I will  do a trio as they are quick and simple, yet deeply satisfying.

Let's start with Grilled Figs with Honey Yogurt. I learned this year that figs can be successfully grown here in Zone 5. It's on the list of things to try for next growing season.

Grilled Figs with Honey Yogurt and Walnuts
Ingredients:
10+  fresh figs halved
1+ tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
walnut halves - enough to top each fig half

Directions:
Heat grill to medium.
Sprinkle brown sugar over cut side of figs
Put figs on grill, if needed use foil or a screen or one of those grilling things that has the holes so figs don't fall through.
While figs grill, stir honey into yogurt.

Remove figs from heat, top with honey yogurt mixture and half a walnut.

For the next one it doesn't get any easier. Grilled peaches. It tastes like pie!

Grilled Peaches
Ingredients:
3 peaches halved
1/2 tablespoon canola oil (not olive)

Directions:
Preheat the grill.
Brush the cut peach halves with the oil
Place the oiled peach half  cut side down on the grill
Grill for 3 minutes and turn 90 degrees
Grill another 3 minutes
Turn cut side up and grill another 3 minutes.  You don't want them turned to mush.

























And finally, grilled strawberries. For this you let them mascerate a few minutes before grilling.

Grilled Strawberries
Ingredients:
1 lb strawberries hulled and sliced
1 tbs red wine
1 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 tbs brown sugar
Toasted pound cake

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except cake in a bowl, toss to combine.
Let stand 10-20 minutes.

Grill on the same grate that you grilled the figs on. It won't take long, about 3-4 minutes.

Spoon over toasted pound cake.

This trio makes a delicious dessert.
























Don't be afraid to grill your fruit!

Until next time, Eat Well & Keep Digging!

The Gastronomic Gardener
Garden blog http://amidwestgarden.blogspot.com/
Cooking blog http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/
Twitter - @gastrogardener
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email: thegastronomicgardener at gmail dot com

4 comments:

  1. Have you ever tried using a blow-torch (like you would use for stripping paint) in the kitchen? It's great for caramelizing sugar sprinkled over fruit, like peaches for instance.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mark - it is a good technique. Especially for creme brulee! Yes, to answer your question.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Figs & peaches on the grill are wonderful but I've never considered, nor seen, strawberries done this way. Great idea, David, and I can't wait to give 'em a try. That new grill grate of mine needs to be kept better occupied.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi ChgoJohn, try the grilled strawberries over some of that ice cream of yours!

    ReplyDelete

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