Grilled Fruit Kabobs are a delightful summer dessert that combines the freshness of seasonal fruits with the smoky sweetness of grilling. This recipe not only offers a healthy and visually appealing treat but also provides an easy preparation process perfect for a quick yet impressive finale to any meal.
Ingredients
To create these Grilled Fruit Kabobs, gather the following ingredients:
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Fruits:
- 3 plums
- 3 apricots
- 2 nectarines
- 2 pears
- 2 bananas
- 2 slices of pineapple
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Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for dusting)
- Marshmallows (approximately 12 pieces)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Nutritional Information
Before diving into the preparation, let’s take a look at the nutritional aspects of this dessert:
- Calories: 179.3 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 12.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 45.7g
- Fiber Content: 5.1g
- Sugar Content: 31.5g
- Protein Content: 2.3g
Preparation
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Fruits:
- Begin by pitting or coring the fruits as necessary. For plums, apricots, nectarines, pears, bananas, and pineapple, ensure they are cut into suitable sizes for skewering.
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Prevent Discoloration:
- Coat the prepared fruits lightly with lemon juice to prevent them from discoloring.
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Add Sweetness and Spice:
- Sprinkle each fruit with a bit of sugar and a light dusting of cinnamon if desired. This step adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavor profile when grilled.
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Refrigerate for Freshness:
- Cover the prepared fruits and refrigerate them until you are ready to assemble and grill the kabobs. This step ensures that the fruits stay fresh and flavorful.
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Assemble the Kabobs:
- Use either metal or bamboo skewers. If using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Thread the fruits and marshmallows onto the skewers alternately. The addition of marshmallows not only adds sweetness but also creates a delightful caramelized texture when grilled.
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Grilling Process:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the assembled kabobs on the grill over medium-hot coals or medium-high heat on a gas grill.
- Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the fruits are heated through and lightly charred, and the marshmallows have toasted to a golden brown. Use a metal spatula if needed to gently lift the kabobs from the grill surface, especially for the marshmallows.
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Serve with Optional Indulgence:
- Once grilled to perfection, serve the Grilled Fruit Kabobs immediately. For an added indulgence, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, caramelized fruits with cool, creamy ice cream enhances the dessert experience.
Tips for Success:
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Skewer Techniques: Using two skewers per kabob helps in easier flipping on the grill, ensuring even cooking and preventing the fruits from spinning.
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Grilling Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat to achieve caramelization without overly charring the fruits.
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Marshmallow Care: Watch the marshmallows closely during grilling to prevent them from melting excessively or catching fire.
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Variation: Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices or a drizzle of honey for added flavor dimensions.
Conclusion
Grilled Fruit Kabobs are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of summer’s bounty and the joys of outdoor cooking. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a family meal, or simply craving something sweet yet wholesome, this recipe promises to delight with its simplicity and vibrant flavors. Embrace the season with this easy-to-make, healthy dessert that is sure to leave everyone asking for more.
