Dessert Anyone?

Not a lot of people think about making dessert on the grill. Once the meat is done they usually shut down the grill. Try one of these ideas and wow your guests at your next grilling event.

Grilled Fresh Fruit
Grilled fruit makes an excellent presentation and can be an unusual and effective dessert. Pineapple slices, mango, and even strawberries grill well and can be served with sweet or savory sauces. You can also grill stuffed fruits, like apple or peach halves. Experiment a little and fill them with honey, brown sugar, cheese, nuts or berries.

To create a colorful fruit medley, make kabobs using small wooden skewers (Remember to soak the skewers first so they don’t burn while grilling.) Strawberry, mango, pineapple, apple and peaches work well, but they're not the only options by any means. Add a warm honey glaze and serve them on small plates. When cooking fruit, make sure the grill is non-stick as possible. You can do this by using an insert or wire basket to keep the fruit on the grill and not between the grates. A little cooking-oil sprayed or swabbed on the grates helps too. And finally, lay the fruit diagonally across the grates to prevent it from slipping between the grates and to make those beautiful grill marks.

Banana Boats for Kids and Adults
Here is a fun easy dessert sure to be requested again and again. Take one firm yellow banana for each guest and slit the curved side of the banana approximately ½” wide and ½” deep taking care to keep the peel attached at the stem end like a flap. Scoop out the banana meat and discard (or nibble on it if you like.) Fill the slit with your favorite combination of chocolate chips, marshmallows, nuts or peanut butter. Then close the flap over the contents and wrap in aluminum foil. Place the foil packets on the grill over medium heat for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the contents melt. Remove from the heat and remove the foil. Serve with ice cream.

For the adult version, prepare as above them drizzle with a coffee-flavored liquor.

10 Tips to Quality Entertaining

1. Make your guests feel special. Even if they are “just family”, make a menu and greet them at the door. Offer a beverage and an appetizer while you finish the details.

2. Use the good dishes. The good dishes could be a brightly colored fiesta ware, fun flea market finds, or even eco-friendly bamboo items.

3. Add a center piece and other simple decorations to add some flair. The center piece could be as simple as some cut flowers and plants from your gardens or an edible plate of appetizers to nibble on.

4. Get a Head Start. Tackle grill related items early. Make sure you have enough charcoal or propane. Clean your grill rack in the morning if you didn’t do it after your last use. Get out any platters or grill tools your may need. Prep your meats and vegetables so you can mingle with your guests.

5. Light the Night. If you are going into the evening, place some candles in hurricane lanterns or even old jelly jars so the wind doesn’t blow them out.

6. It’s OK Let Others Help. Some feel it is necessary to do all the work themselves. The guests that offer to help should be given a task to do because it makes them feel like they are part of the event.

7. Beers and Bars. Using multiple serving stations helps your guests to get refills quickly without waiting. Galvanized tubs, coolers and tubs work perfectly. Place like drinks in designated tubs like water and soda in one and beer in another. If you are serving a beverage with a non-twist off cap, tether an opener to one of the handles and keep a towel nearby for the inevitable drips and spills.

8. Accessible Condiments. Continue with the elegant presentation by taking all of the condiments and sauces out of their jars and placing them in small serving dishes. Spread them along the table so they are within easy reach of each guest.

9. Casual Table Covers. For easy cleanup, cover your tables with split garbage bags and cover with brown or white roll paper. A few crayons and markers nearby may result in some spontaneous artwork by the young and old alike.

10. Don’t Stress. With a little planning and prep your party will come off flawlessly. Your outdoor meal should be relaxing for you and your guests.