Could dessert really be this simple? Fresh peaches, lightly brushed with olive oil and grilled. That’s it.
Are grilled peaches enough to satisfy my sweet tooth, which often gravitates toward a luscious, gooey, decadent end to a meal? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
I think much of the satisfaction for this dessert can be attributed to accenting the qualities of the fruit. Grilling peaches allows their natural sugars to caramelize, developing both texture and flavor. The heat from the grill permeates the fruit, activating a heady aroma and breaking down the peach’s flesh, releasing a flood of juices.
Peaches are high in fiber, beta-carotene and potassium, which makes them a dessert you won’t feel guilty about eating.
Could dessert really be this simple? Fresh peaches, lightly brushed with olive oil and grilled. That’s it.
Are grilled peaches enough to satisfy my sweet tooth, which often gravitates toward a luscious, gooey, decadent end to a meal? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
I think much of the satisfaction for this dessert can be attributed to accenting the qualities of the fruit. Grilling peaches allows their natural sugars to caramelize, developing both texture and flavor. The heat from the grill permeates the fruit, activating a heady aroma and breaking down the peach’s flesh, releasing a flood of juices.
Peaches are high in fiber, beta-carotene and potassium, which makes them a dessert you won’t feel guilty about eating.
Grilled peaches
4 slightly ripe fresh peaches
2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Step one
Heat the grill to medium heat. Brush the grates with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step two
Take a sharp knife and cut the peaches along their seam. Twist the two halves apart. If the pit does not come out, use the tip of the knife to gently lift it out. You will have eight halves.
Step three
Take 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil and lightly brush each peach with olive oil.
Step four
Place the peaches on the grill cut side down and grill five to seven minutes, or until grill marks begin to form. Brush the tops of the peaches with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
Step five
Flip the peaches over and move them to a cooler part of the grill and finish cooking over indirect heat – approximately five additional minutes.
Serves 8
Nutritional information: 74 calories; 5.2 grams of fat; 0.1 milligrams of sodium; 7.2 carbohydrates; 0.7 grams of protein.
