Peach Nirvana

This may very well be the world's easiest and tastiest recipe.

I got this from a friend who knows that I like peaches and nectarines.

I've played around with this, using plain cinnamon, cinnamon mixed with a little sugar, cinnamon mixed with a little allspice -- and it is all fantastic.  And this works really well in a grill pan as long as you are patient and don't peek too much as you are heating up the cut surface of the fruit.

With a little vanilla ice cream on the side?  Divine.

I'm the sort who eats a peach the instant she gets it home, standing over the kitchen sink to manage the juiciness and the mess a little better.   Because I cannot wait another minute between the farmer's market and eating for that first bite of luscious, ripe peach.

But if I can save a few for later, this is a great way to eat them. And if you have leftovers, chop them up and use them on your oatmeal in the morning. Heaven in a bowl, especially with a dollop of vanilla yogurt on top.


Here's the recipe:

Grilled Spiced Peaches
butter-flavored cooking spray
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
OR 1/2 tsp. cinnamon-sugar
OR scant 1/2 tsp. cinnamon mixed with 1/8 tsp. ground allspice
4 large peach(es), peeled, halved and pitted (try to find peaches that are not the "cling" variety for easier pitting, otherwise you'll be digging around in the peach)

Coat grill grate lightly with cooking spray; preheat grill to medium-high heat. Do this off the heat. If using grill pan, coat the grill pan with butter-flavored cooking spray and then place over medium-high heat on the stove. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over cut sides of peaches only; lightly coat with cooking spray. Place peaches on grill or grill pan, cut side down. Grill until browned and slightly softened, about 5 minutes. (For best results, do not move the peaches during grilling; this will ensure the attractive grill marks and keep the peaches from sticking to the grill. Be patient and don't move them around much while cooking them.) Turn peaches over and grill on other side for about 3 minutes more; serve warm. Yields 2 peach halves per serving.

FWIW, I've also tried this with bananas and pineapple, and it's seriously yummy.  But a fresh peach from the farmer's market stand?  It really is nirvana.

(Photo via flag75*.)