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When it comes to great grilling, many backyard chefs are thinking green—and yellow and red. These chefs are making the most of the season’s most plentiful bounty: fresh fruits and vegetables.

“During the summer, I like to take advantage of fruits and vegetables grown locally,” said Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt of the Culinary Institute of America. “To infuse flavor, I marinate them with different spices and the same wine that I am serving with my meal.”

Entertaining at home can be expensive, says Sonnenschmidt, but there’s no need to splurge on every ingredient.

“Go ahead and buy the most expensive baking chocolate for your dessert,” said Sonnenschmidt, “but then choose a moderate-priced wine. Affordable does not necessarily mean you have to sacrifice quality either, you just have to know what to buy.”

Grilled Garden Vegetables

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium size zucchini, sliced 1” thick
  • 2 carrots, cut on bias 1/2” thick
  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into spears
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced 1” thick
  • 1 bunch of scallions, trimmed

Marinade:

  • 1 cup Chardonnay
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. fresh chopped ginger
  • 1 tsp. chopped garlic
  • 1-2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp. sesame oil

Ingredients:

  1. Combine ingredients for marinade. Place all vegetables in an oval dish and pour marinade over and rest for 1 hour.
  2. Place on grill and grill over high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side. Heat marinade and serve with vegetables.
  3. Serve with grilled French bread and a glass of Chardonnay.

Grilled Peaches With Bleu Cheese

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 2 peaches halved and pitted
  • 2 tbsp. virgin olive oil
  • 4 oz. bleu cheese crumbled
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a small saucepan combine the Cabernet with sugar and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce by 2/3 of the volume 45 to 60 minutes or to a maple syrup consistency.
  2. Rub peaches with olive oil, place on grill at high heat, and grill just to a light golden color. Brush with wine sauce and grill for one more minute. Place on a plate. Pour remaining wine sauce over peaches. Garnish with bleu cheese and mint leaves.

For added flavor, grilled fruits and vegetables can be marinated with the same wine that is served with the meal. Above, Grilled Peaches with Bleu Cheese.


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