Grilled Strawberries With Vanilla Gelato and Aged Balsamic

This simple dessert has great depth in flavor and elegance. It is perfect for any summer evening but especially for gatherings with friends. If you cannot find aged (at least five years) balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, which is available in most gourmet stores, enjoy the berries and gelato on their own.

Makes 4 servings

Wooden skewers for grilling
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1 pint large ripe (but firm) strawberries
1 1/2 cups vanilla gelato or frozen yogurt
4 teaspoons excellent quality aged balsamic vinegar from Modena

Clean and heat the grill or grill pan. Soak the wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.

In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, oil, and sugar; whisk with a fork to combine. Add the strawberries and turn to evenly coat. Thread the strawberries onto the soaked wooden skewers and place on the grill. Turn frequently and cook until they’re just warmed and grilled marked, about two minutes. Remove the berries from the skewers and cut in half. Serve warm with gelato or frozen yogurt and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.

TD&N Nutrient Analysis: Calories: 158; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Sodium: 49 mg; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Fiber: 2 g; Protein: 3 g

— Recipe by Laura Pensiero, RD; photo by Gary Dolgoff for Today’s Diet & Nutrition