Perfectly Peachy Summer Dessert
Summers are short and spending as much time outside as possible is No. 1 my list. You’ll find me out back on my deck grilling most nights.
Peaches are the best fruit to cook with. They don’t lose their flavor when they’re cooked. The flavor becomes more pronounced and peaches actually taste better when they’re grilled.
Don’t get me wrong, peaches are lovely to eat fresh. My dad loved peaches and would bring home a case each year when I was a kid. Each peach was as big as my head. I remember wiping peach juice off my chin, cheeks, and elbows. Our family would eat peaches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When they were gone, I’d beg him to buy an even bigger box next year.
This is a quick dessert that can be pulled together in minutes. I usually plan on grilled peaches for dessert when I’m already grilling dinner. It’s easy to grill the peaches after I’ve finished cooking the meat, or better yet, grill them first so you don’t end up with charred bits of meat or marinade on your peaches. I like my peaches cooled completely, so I always grill them ahead of time and pop them in the fridge. The ice cream melts quickly on a warm peach, and you’ll end up with a gloopy mess quickly.
Which peaches are best for grilling? Some peaches grill better than others. Super ripe peaches are likely to fall apart or drip all the juice out down into your grill. The best peaches to grill are the ones that are still somewhat firm. When shopping, look for firm peaches that will be ripe in a day or two. When lightly pressed on, they’re firm. Save the ripest peaches for eating fresh.
How to cut a peach: Use a sharp paring knife to follow the natural line that sometimes forms on peaches that run from stem to core. Cut the peach all the way around. Then, with gentle pressure, twist both halves in opposite directions. Carefully, with the knife, remove the pit.
What if I don’t have a grill? No, problem. Preheat your oven broiler to high. Place peaches cut side up on an oven safe baking-sheet. Broil about 2 inches from the heating element or flame. Cook until dark brown spots appear on peaches; about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Proceed with the recipe.
Spiced Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream and Honey
Serves 4
2 firm peaches
1 Tbsp butter, melted
4 scoops of premium vanilla ice cream (I like Tillamook Vanilla Bean)
2 tablespoons of wildflower honey
½ tsp. apple pie spice
2 cups heavy whipped cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Carefully scrape grill clean and free of all charred food bits.
Brush the peach halves with melted butter. Place cut side down on the hot grill with tongs. Cook for 3 minutes and rotate 90 degrees to continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Grill marks should be crisscross. Remove from the grill; cool. Peaches can be grilled ahead of time.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar on high until stiff peaks form. Plate peach halves for serving and place a scoop of the ice cream in the center of each half. Drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of apple pie spice. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately.
