Grilled Peaches and Cream: A Summertime Dessert Delight

Summer is the perfect time for firing up the grill and enjoying delicious, easy desserts outdoors. And what could be more quintessentially summery than ripe, juicy peaches? Grilling them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky char that’s simply irresistible. Paired with creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, Grilled Peaches and Cream is a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make. This recipe will guide you through creating this delightful treat, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures every time.

## Why Grill Peaches?

Grilling peaches transforms them in a way that no other cooking method can. Here’s why you should try it:

* **Enhanced Sweetness:** The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the peaches, intensifying their sweetness and creating a delightful, almost candy-like flavor.
* **Smoky Flavor:** The grill imparts a subtle smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully. This smoky note adds complexity and depth to the dessert.
* **Soft Texture:** Grilling softens the peaches, making them incredibly tender and easy to eat. The slight char on the outside adds a pleasant textural contrast to the soft interior.
* **Visual Appeal:** Grilled peaches look stunning. The grill marks create a beautiful visual presentation that elevates the dessert.
* **Quick and Easy:** Grilling peaches is incredibly quick and easy, making it a perfect dessert for a casual summer barbecue or a last-minute sweet treat.

## Choosing the Right Peaches

Selecting the right peaches is crucial for the success of this dessert. Here’s what to look for:

* **Ripeness:** Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm. They should give slightly to gentle pressure but not be overly soft. Overripe peaches will become mushy on the grill, while unripe peaches will be hard and lack flavor.
* **Variety:** Freestone peaches are ideal for grilling because the pit is easily removed. Clingstone peaches can be used, but removing the pit can be more challenging.
* **Appearance:** Look for peaches with vibrant color and no blemishes. Avoid peaches with bruises or soft spots.
* **Smell:** Ripe peaches will have a sweet, fragrant aroma.

## Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Grilled Peaches and Cream:

* 4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 pint vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream
* Optional toppings: chopped nuts, caramel sauce, honey, fresh mint

## Equipment

* Grill (gas or charcoal)
* Grill brush
* Small bowl
* Pastry brush or spoon
* Spatula or tongs
* Serving plates

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Grilled Peaches and Cream:

### Step 1: Prepare the Grill

* **Clean the grill grates:** Use a grill brush to thoroughly clean the grill grates. This will prevent the peaches from sticking.
* **Preheat the grill:** Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and covered with a layer of ash.

### Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

* **Wash the peaches:** Gently wash the peaches and pat them dry with a paper towel.
* **Halve and pit the peaches:** Cut each peach in half and remove the pit. If using clingstone peaches, you may need to use a small knife to carefully cut around the pit to remove it.

### Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Mixture

* **Combine ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Mix well until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

### Step 4: Brush the Peaches

* **Apply the mixture:** Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously brush the cut sides of the peaches with the brown sugar mixture. Ensure each peach half is evenly coated.

### Step 5: Grill the Peaches

* **Place the peaches on the grill:** Place the peaches cut-side down on the preheated grill grates.
* **Grill for 3-5 minutes:** Grill the peaches for 3-5 minutes, or until they have visible grill marks and are slightly softened. Be careful not to burn them.
* **Flip the peaches:** Use a spatula or tongs to carefully flip the peaches.
* **Grill for another 2-3 minutes:** Grill the peaches for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender and heated through. The grilling time may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the ripeness of the peaches.

### Step 6: Assemble and Serve

* **Remove from the grill:** Carefully remove the grilled peaches from the grill and place them on serving plates.
* **Top with ice cream or whipped cream:** Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top of each peach half.
* **Add optional toppings:** If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with caramel sauce or honey, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
* **Serve immediately:** Serve the Grilled Peaches and Cream immediately while the peaches are warm and the ice cream is cold.

## Tips for Perfect Grilled Peaches

* **Don’t overcrowd the grill:** Grill the peaches in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent the grill from cooling down.
* **Use medium heat:** Grilling at medium heat allows the peaches to caramelize without burning. If the grill is too hot, the peaches will char on the outside before they are cooked through.
* **Keep an eye on the peaches:** Check the peaches frequently to prevent them from burning. The grilling time may vary depending on the ripeness of the peaches and the heat of your grill.
* **Use a grill basket or foil:** If you’re concerned about the peaches falling through the grill grates, you can use a grill basket or place them on a sheet of aluminum foil.
* **Experiment with flavors:** Try adding different spices to the brown sugar mixture, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice. You can also use different types of sugar, such as maple sugar or coconut sugar.

## Variations

Here are some delicious variations of Grilled Peaches and Cream:

* **Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cheese and Balsamic Glaze:** Instead of ice cream or whipped cream, top the grilled peaches with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The creamy cheese and tangy glaze create a sophisticated flavor combination.
* **Grilled Peaches with Yogurt and Granola:** For a lighter and healthier dessert, top the grilled peaches with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. This variation is perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free treat.
* **Grilled Peaches with Amaretto:** Drizzle the grilled peaches with amaretto liqueur for a boozy and flavorful dessert. The almond flavor of the amaretto complements the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.
* **Grilled Peach Crumble:** Top the grilled peaches with a buttery crumble topping and bake in the oven until the crumble is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Grilled Peach Salsa:** Dice the grilled peaches and combine them with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice to create a flavorful peach salsa. Serve with grilled chicken or fish.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled Peaches and Cream can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a dessert:** Serve as a simple and elegant dessert at a summer barbecue or dinner party.
* **As a breakfast or brunch item:** Serve with yogurt and granola for a healthy and delicious breakfast or brunch.
* **As a topping:** Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
* **As an ingredient in other desserts:** Incorporate into pies, tarts, or cobblers.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 250-350
* Fat: 10-20g
* Saturated Fat: 6-12g
* Cholesterol: 30-60mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 2-4g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Storage

* **Grilled Peaches:** Grilled peaches are best served immediately. However, leftover grilled peaches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They may become slightly softer, but they will still be delicious.
* **Assembled Dessert:** It’s best to assemble the dessert right before serving. If you have leftover assembled dessert, store it in the refrigerator, but be aware that the ice cream or whipped cream will melt.

## Conclusion

Grilled Peaches and Cream is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for summer. The combination of sweet, smoky peaches and creamy vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress. So fire up the grill and treat yourself to this delightful summer treat. Enjoy!