Grilled Strawberry Skewers

Think that these juicy red pops of sweetness can't be grilled? Think again. Stick some strawberries on a skewer (always a griller's friend) and heat these rubies into warm jewels. The smoky flavor from the grill complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly, making it a great side dish or dessert--or both. 

If you're aren't in the know about this summertime fruit, time to get schooled. Not only do they scream with the warmth of the season, but they are also a bonafide superfood. Bursting with antioxidants and Vitamin C--a known immunity booster. Strawberries boost eye health, help fight cancer, and their known collagen producing benefits help fight those sun's rays at the battle of your skin. That's right, strawberries can help your skin look younger and prevents the formation of some wrinkles. They also fight bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation and regulate blood pressure. 

Need further convincing? Well, putting anything on a skewer immediately makes it more delicious, because, science.

Grilled Strawberry Skewers

Gather

Skewers

One package fresh strawberries

Method

Skewer strawberries, approximately 4-5 per stick.

Place on medium/high grill, turning every few minutes.

Total grill time: Approx. 7 mins

Allow to cool for a few minutes, and then chomp. Try grilled strawberries with yogurt as a dip. 

Eating seasonal desserts is delicious, easy, and much healthier than grabbing an ice cream or a fruit flavored popsicle from the grocer's freezer. Skewer some strawberries and throw them on the grill this weekend!

Grilled Bananas

So, the past few weeks we have offered up some delicious + healthy ideas for the grill. Including: Grilled Portobello mushrooms, Lemony Grilled Chicken, and Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. This week, it's still hot, (actually even hotter) so we have another grilling recipe for you-- but this time, it's dessert. 

Grilling fruit is the perfect way to release the natural sugars within the fruit, giving a full, smoky-sweet flavor that is the perfect accompaniment to a cookout or barbecue. The best part? Grilling up fruit is not only absolutely delicious, it's also much healthier than your regular summertime desserts like ice-cream or popsicles. The preparation is easy and goes from peel to grill to mouth in less than 10 minutes. 

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a nutrient your body needs to maintain electrolyte levels in high heat and is full of fiber, so if the grilled chicken or steaks didn't fill you up, the grilled banana will do the job! 

Grilled Bananas

Gather

4 bananas

1/2 tbsp of natural sugar crystals

Method:

1. Cut bananas in half lengthwise, leaving skins on. 
2. Sprinkle the cut sides with sugar
3. Grill bananas for about 3 minutes each side--be careful, you don't want them to get mushy.
4. Pop them out into a bowl, and add a scoop of Norton Fitness Strawberry Frozen Yogurt if desired. 

That's it, you're done. Enjoy the sweetness of the season without ruining your diet or hard work in the gym. See you back here next week for some more delicious grilled fruit recipes. 

Strawberry Yogurt Bark

We thought perhaps you might need a few more summertime snacks that are healthy + delicious to keep your sweet-tooth sated. Last week, we gave you: Frozen Yogurt Blueberries and this week, Strawberry Yogurt Bark. Again, all the nutrition of fruit + the protein of yogurt. A win-win combination that satisfies and pleases. (and keeps that sweet tooth happy!)

You only need a few ingredients and limited abilities to make this treat, and it is perfect for days by the pool or a quick snack straight from the fridge. No one wants to spend time cooking, baking or prepping much of anything when the weather turns nice, so instead pop some yogurt in a pan and add your toppings and after cooling for a while, voíla! Also, this recipe is extremely versatile, so you can add nuts or berries of other kinds to suit your preference as well.

Strawberry Yogurt Bark:

Gather:

-Greek yogurt (we used honey greek yogurt)

-frozen or fresh or dried strawberries

-flat pan

Method:

-Line a flat pan with parchment paper and spread yogurt evenly on paper, approx 3/8 of an inch thick. (not too thick or too thin!)

- Add strawberries and other toppings if preferred, (i.e, pistachios, hemp, chia seeds, pecans)

-Freeze for a few hours or until completely frozen. (for an 8x8 in. pan, it takes about 4 hours)

-Remove from parchment and break into pieces. 

-Keep pieces in freezer until ready to eat, taking out only the pieces you are going to snack on. (If it overheats then it WILL melt!)

Snacking healthfully doesn't have to be boring, and with a little imagination the fresh fruits of the season can be even tastier than the less-than-fit options tempting you in the store. 

Be fit! See you next week for another health-inspired recipe.

Honey Grilled Watermelon

Need some in-season, tasty treats for the hot weather? At Norton, we loved grilled...well, pretty much everything. But we especially love grilled fruit for the way the heat locks in, and amps up the natural sweetness. And since it's summer and the grill is on anyway...might as well throw some fruit on and keep dessert healthy.

This week's recipe is perfect, and perfectly in season. Add this to a family dinner, or for your backyard grilling party. But it's so tasty, you will probably want to make it every chance you get.

Honey Grilled Watermelon

Ingredients:
2 large, round watermelon slices, each cut into 4 triangles.
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp honey
Optional (balsamic glaze for drizzling)

Method:
Preheat grill to medium heat
Brush both sides of watermelon triangles with olive oil and dust with salt and pepper. Add a drizzle of honey
Place on grill and cook for about two minutes each side
Remove from grill and drizzle a little more honey and balsamic glaze if desired
Serve immediately.

And there you are! A delicious, easy dessert that is also healthy. Enjoy!