Life’s a Peach

Grill peaches for a healthy dessert.

I’ve been enjoying juicy plums & peaches from my grandmother’s yard this summer. There’s nothing quite like homegrown fruit—one of life’s sweet satisfactions.

Peaches have a lot to offer besides tantalizing your taste buds. They are a good source of beta carotene and potassium, and contain some calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and vitamin C. They also have a variety of flavonoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin) that are known for promoting vision and reducing inflammation in the body. Peaches are easily digested and contain 1.5 grams of soluble fiber (per medium-size fruit). Oh, and my grandmother thinks they’re great for keeping the plumbing working!     A grilled peach also makes a healthy way to finish a meal. Here’s a simple & delicious dessert to enjoy on a summer evening.

Grilled Peaches with Honey Chevre

Serves 4

2 fresh, unpeeled peaches, halved & pitted

4 oz. of honey chevre cheese (soft goat cheese with honey available at Trader Joe’s)

1. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil grate.

2. Cut chevre cheese into 4 equal rounds. Note: If you cannot find the honey chevre, combine plain chevre cheese with 1 teaspoon of honey in a small bowl.

3. Grill the peaches cut sides down until peaches begin to caramelize and show grill marks (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from grill and place a round of honey chevre cheese on each peach half. Serve warm. You can also top of your peach with a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper or drizzle of balsamic vinegar, if desired.