With the summer season starting off with a beautiful Memorial Day weekend, pools and grills are being primed for more good weather to come. It’s hard to pass a neighborhood without smelling that wonderful cookout scent. Friends and families gather outside to enjoy great company and great foods. This year when firing up the grill, impress your guests by daring to grill fruits.
Fruits on the grill, like cooking, can be used as a savory or sweet dish. How do you feel about a grilled avocado with melted parmesan on top with a splash of lime juice? Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Just cut open the avocado, remove the seed, brush with some olive oil and lime juice, then grill flesh-side down for 5-7 minutes. Turn it over, sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on it and keep it in the warm grill until the cheese is melted. Another grilled avocado recipe includes adding fresh salsa to the empty seed pit after grilling. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits and lean meats as well, for example, oregano chicken and plum kebabs.
As for something sweet, try grilling different fruits, such as cantaloupe, on kebabs to add as a refreshing side dish. When dessert time rolls around consider grilling pineapple slices or bananas to serve with some frozen yogurt. If you are feeling adventurous and would like a healthier campfire dessert without the campfire try out a grilled “campfire banana split." Slice along the length of a banana, place a few mini marshmallows and some chocolate chips in the slice. Wrap in foil and cook on the grill for about 5 minutes, then enjoy with a spoon!
Placing fruits on the grill is a good way to get in some of the recommended daily servings. It can also be a new way to introduce fruits your children might not be too fond of. Grilling fruit will be a refreshing addition to your get-together. So go start up the grill, grab some fruit and friends and enjoy the feast!
Campfire Banana Splits: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Campfire-Banana-Splits/Detail.aspx?evt19=1
Plum and Oregano Chicken Kebabs: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/plum-oregano-chicken-kebabs-00100000105992/index.html
