Irresistible grilled fruit summer desserts
If you are going to grill outside or have your grill already going, embark yourself onto the bold culinary adventure of grilling an unforgettable summer…
Grilled berry cobbler is a delicious grilled fruit summer dessert. Shutterstock)
If you are going to grill outside or have your grill already going, embark yourself onto the bold culinary adventure of grilling an unforgettable summer dessert. Your favourite sweet treats can be made right on the grill without any effort.
SEE ALSO: Summer tips for grilling fruits and vegetables
Why turn the oven on when you can use your summer grill to make almost any of your favorite and mouth-watering desserts using those ready-ripe seasonal fruits? You will get to experience a whole new level of sweetness, flavors and textures.
Here are some tempting ideas that will keep you out of the kitchen and will easily help you create the perfect ending for your summer cookout.
Grilled Berry Cobbler
Ingredients : Serves 6
- 2 cups fresh organic raspberries
- 2 cups fresh organic strawberries
- 2 cups fresh organic blackberries
- 2 cups fresh organic blueberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, plus 3 tablespoons (divided)
- Splash of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chia-gel (recipe below)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cups Galletas Maria, crushed, or Graham Crackers
- 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cups European unsalted butter, cut in pieces
- Fresh mint, or basil, only leaves, optional
Directions
Prepare grill.
For charcoal grill: Arrange medium-hot charcoals around the edge of the grill. For a gas grill: Preheat grill.
In a large bowl, combine the berries with 1/2 cup of sugar, balsamic, chia gel, salt, and spices. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place mixture in a 2-quart disposable foil pan and cover tightly with foil.
Test grill for medium heat in the center and place pan in the center of the grill.
Cover and grill for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, for the topping, combine crackers, flour, and sugar. Using your hands or a pastry blender, add and combine butter to the crackers mixture. Combine well until achieving a coarse crumbs appearance.
Uncover pan. Sprinkle topping over fruit mixture. Cover grill and let cook for 15 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and fruit has thickened. (If you are using a gas grill, reduce heat to medium, adjust to indirect heat and proceed to grill as above.)
Remove from grill. Let it cool on top of a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or the one of your choice, and chopped fresh herbs (if using).
For chia gel
Chia seeds in water makes a gel simply and quickly. (Shutterstock)
Ingredients
Makes 1 1/4 cups
- 1 cup cool spring water
- 1 3/4 tablespoons chia seeds
- Stevia or vanilla extract, optional, to taste
Directions
Pour the water into a sealable container. Slowly pour chia seeds into spring water while mixing with a whisk. If you are using any Stevia or vanilla extract, add now. Wait 5 minutes and whisk again.
Let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes before mixing again.
You can use right away or seal the container and store mixture in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to use as needed. Whisk before using.
Other quick ideas:
- Grill pineapple, plums, mangoes and peaches with cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Serve with vanilla ice cream, caramel, chocolate or fresh fruit sauce.
- Grill fresh berries and plums, and serve over grilled shortcake (if the shortcake is store bought just place on the grill right before serving to give it some quick color and flavor) with fresh whipped cream, dulce de leche or chocolate sauce, or any ice cream of your choice.
- Serve a chocolate or cheese fondue (or plate) with grilled seasonal fruits.
- Roll bananas in coconut sugar, grill and serve over ice cream.
- Make some quick sandwiches with Graham crackers filled with charred marshmallows and bittersweet chocolate chips.
- Serve grilled peaches with vanilla rum ice cream, drizzled with honey or a reduction of Malbec wine and balsamic vinegar.
*Nutritional facts: Did you know that chia seeds are considered a superfood with tons of health benefits? Among some, they help control your appetite because they fill you up and theyre a fabulous source of fiber and protein, as well as being a complete source of amino acids. Theyre also full of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B, D, E, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
SEE ALSO: Healthy recipes for a BBQ celebration
