Grilled Peaches & Cream Cheese

 

Peaches are a fabulous summer treat. Besides being a tasty summer dessert, peaches do great things for our bodies. Loaded with anti-oxidants, vitamin C and A, peaches are low in calories (39 in 100 grams). They contain flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin, which help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals. This helps protect us from various diseases. Rich in minerals, peaches contain potassium, fluoride and iron. Iron helps form red blood cells. Potassium helps regulate heart and blood pressure. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Research also indicates that they help prevent obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

With so many varieties that can be grown in a number of regions through the U.S., you can get fresh-picked fruit from May through late September. I’ve discussed grilling fruit before. To grill peaches, cut one in half and remove the pit. Brush olive oil on the cut side and place cut side down on the grill. Grill about 3 to 5 minutes until the peach begins to caramelize. Turn it over for 3 minutes. Remove and dribble honey, maple syrup or agave nectar on cut side if desired.

 

Today’s exceedingly simple recipe (if I’m allowed to call it that) is Grilled Peaches & Cream Cheese. It’s an easy-grilled peach dessert that starts by grilling peach halves. When you flip the halves over, you dribble honey and fill the peach with a scoop of soft cream cheese spread. Continue to grill it until the cheese is warm. Sprinkling chopped nuts on top before serving is a tasty option. I suggest pecans or walnuts. If you have a favorite cream cheese flavor, be sure to try it.

Grilled Peaches & Cream Cheese

Use organic when available. Serves 8

Ingredients

• 4 peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp local honey
• 1 cup soft cream cheese
• chopped nuts for garnish optional

Instructions

• Preheat a grill for medium-high heat
• Brush peaches with a light coating of olive oil
• Place cut side down on the grill
• Grill for 5 minutes, or until peaches have nice grill marks
• Turn the peaches over, and drizzle a bit of honey on each
• Place a round spoonful of cream cheese spread in each half
• Grill for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the filling is warm
• Optional sprinkle chopped nuts on top
• Serve immediately

Enjoy!

 

 

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