Sweet and Savory Fruit: Use These Suggestions For A New Twist

Fruit is ripe and plentiful during the summer. It's the perfect time to experiment with new recipes and ideas for all the delicious produce available. Try a few of the following suggestions as a basis for some savory new ways with sweet, juicy fruit.

Grilling your fruit caramelizes the sugars and concentrates its sweetness. The best fruits for grilling are peaches, plums, nectarines, and even bananas. However you can also grill melon slices, pears, apples, and any other fruit that won't slip through the grill. Simply cut the fruit in half, brush with a light canola or olive oil, sprinkle with a small amount of sugar and grill. For a smokier flavor put the top over the grill. In a matter of minutes you have a base for a healthy light dessert or a sweetly savory dish. Top grilled fruit with lowfat frozen yogurt, regular nonfat yogurt drizzled with honey and chopped nuts, or layer it into a trifle or lowfat pudding parfaits. Try slicing grilled peaches or nectarines into a salad, top with some crumbled goat cheese, chopped nuts, and a light vinaigrette. Serve as an appetizer with a strong cheese, such as blue or Stilton, sliced whole wheat French bread, and seasoned EV olive oil. Sprinkle grilled fruit with a tiny bit of sea salt and EV olive oil, scatter freshly chopped herbs over top and grate some Gruyere cheese over top for a unique side dish for pork, steaks, and even poultry.

Puree fresh fruit to add to cocktails, juices and iced teas. It's surprising refreshing to add a small amount to a beer such as a Hefeweizen. It adds sweetness and a fresh flavor that can't be beat. Consider pairing fruits with herbs other than mint, such as a sprig of basil, thyme, or even rosemary. Pureed fruit is also delicious stirred into fat free plain yogurt, spooned over lowfat frozen yogurt, mixed into rice pudding, or folded gently into a light whipped topping for a deliciously healthy mousse. Use as a base for a vinaigrette, marinade, or sauce.

Make savory fruit salads and your meals will never be the same. Combine chunks of cantaloupe with chopped prosciutto, slivers of Parmigiano-Reggiano, some fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of EV olive oil. Mix sliced peaches, nectarines, and plums with crumbled lowfat feta cheese, chopped basil and some fresh thyme, a drizzle of honey, balsamic vinegar and EV olive oil, and a touch of sea salt and pepper.

Try balancing out the sweetness of fruit with some of these savory ideas. Your friends and family will love them and you'll be able to harvest the potential of the summer's bounty in unusually delicious recipes.