Editor’s Note: See below for great tips and nutritional information on Chia Seeds.
Summer has finally arrived and the last thing many of us might want to do is turn on the oven to bake a dessert. But there are always other creative alternatives to consider…like grilling. Most of our favorite sweet treats can be made right on the grill without effort.
SUMMER SWEETNESS…ON THE GRILL
If you are planning on grilling or have your grill already going…prepare yourself for a bold culinary adventure of Grilled Berry Cobbler. An unforgettable summer dessert.
Here are some mouthwatering ideas that will keep you out of the kitchen and will help you create the perfect ending for your summer cookout.
Read Related: Mother’s Day: Corn Cake with Fruit & Whipped Cream
GRILLED BERRY COBBLER WITH GALLETAS MARIA
Serves: 6
Ingredients
2 C fresh raspberries
2 C fresh strawberries
2 C fresh blackberries
2 C fresh blueberries
½ C brown sugar, plus 3 T (divided)
Splash of balsamic vinegar
2 T chia-gel*
½ t ground cinnamon
½ t ground ginger
¼ t sea salt
¾ C Galletas Maria, crushed
1/3 C all-purpose flour
1/3 C unsalted butter, cut in pieces
Fresh mint or basil, leaves only, optional
Instructions
- Prepare grill. For charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot charcoals around the edge of the grill. For a gas grill, preheat grill.
- In a large bowl, combine the berries with½ cup of sugar, balsamic, chia-gel*, salt, and spices. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the mixture in a 2-quart disposable foil pan and cover tightly with foil.
- Test grill for medium heat in the center. Place pan in the center of the grill. Cover. Grill for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile for the topping, combine crackers, flour, and sugar. With your hands or a pastry blender, add and combine butter to the cracker mixture. Combine until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Uncover pan. Sprinkle topping over fruit mixture. Cover grill and let cook for 15 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and fruit has thickened. (If you are using a gas grill, reduce heat to medium, adjust to indirect heat and proceed to grill as above.)
- Remove from grill. Let it cool on top of a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, and chopped fresh mint or basil.
For Chia-Gel:
Makes: 1¼ cups
Ingredients
1 cup bottled, spring water
1¾ tablespoons chia seeds*
Instructions
- Pour the water into a sealable plastic or glass container. Slowly pour chia seeds into spring water while briskly mixing with a wire whisk.
- Wait 5 minutes and whisk again.
- Let the mixture stand about 10 minutes before mixing again.
- Seal the container and store mixture in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to use as needed.
- Whisk before using.
Note: Chia seeds are considered a superfood with many health benefits. Among some, they’re said to be godsends when you’re trying to quit sugar. They help control your appetite because they fill you up (with the addition of liquid they swell to 17 times their original size, see chia gel recipe) and they’re a fabulous source of fiber and protein, as well as being a complete source of amino acids. They’re also full of nutrients—vitamins A, B, D, E, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium.
Other Quick Ideas:
- Grill pineapple, plums and peaches with cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Serve with vanilla ice cream, caramel, chocolate or fresh fruit sauce.
- Grill some fresh berries and plums, and serve over grilled shortcake (get the shortcake at your local bakery and give it some color and flavor on the grill before serving) with fresh whipped cream, dulce de leche or hazelnut-espresso-chocolate sauce.
- Serve a chocolate or cheese fondue with grilled fruits.
- Roll bananas in brown sugar, grill, and serve with ice cream.
- Serve grilled peaches with vanilla rum ice cream on top, drizzled with honey or a reduction of Malbec and balsamic.
- Don’t forget those pears, mangoes, and apples! They also love being grilled and they are just delicious!
