RECIPE: Grilled Peaches
You'll wonder why you never thought of it before

by Shelby Kinnaird

We grilled our first peaches about a year ago and now we do it at least once a week when they're in season. If you head down to Hatteras from the north, stop at Grandy's Greenhouse and pick up some peaches. Grandy's is, in our opinion, the best of the farm stands on Rt. 168/158. You can even sample the produce before you buy it. Our advice is to skip the three markets you will come to first that have all of the signage (Powell's, Powell's and Morris') and wait for Grandy's.

When we attended the Burning Man festival in Sept. 2005, we made these peaches for our camp of about 40 people. Everyone was amazed at how tasty they were and how simple to prepare. The cooks in the group couldn't believe they'd never thought to grill peaches before!

This recipe works equally well with nectarines. Plan on at least one piece of fruit per person. Adjust the amount of butter and juice to your liking.

4 peaches
1 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. orange or mango juice

Cut peaches in half and remove pits (do not peel).

Combine butter and juice and microwave until butter melts (about 30 sec.) Stir to combine.

Dip peaches in butter/juice mixture and place cut side up on the grill. After about a minute, rotate peaches 90 degrees (leaving cut side up) to make sure they aren't sticking and cover the grill. After another 3-4 min., rotate again, baste with the butter/juice mixture and recover the grill. Cook another 4 min. or so. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Note: You can also grill cut side down first for about 4 min., turn over, baste and cook another 4 min. We've found it's easier not to bother with turning the peaches over.