Tropical Fruit Kebabs

We don’t often think about using the barbecue to cook a dessert, but these kebabs make a tasty end to an outdoor meal. If you prepare the kebabs in advance, brush the banana and mango with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, cover with plastic wrap, and keep cool. The syrup can be reheated when required.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE SYRUP 

• 1/3 cup nondairy butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 6 cardamom pods, seeds only
• 1 whole clove
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

FOR THE KEBABS

• 1/2 small pineapple
• 2 ripe mangoes
• 2 firm bananas
• nondairy ice cream or nondairy yogurt, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small pan, melt the nondairy butter over low heat.
2. Stir in the maple syrup until well combined.
3. Crush the cardamom seeds with a mortar and pestle, then add them to the syrup.
4. Add the whole clove, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract to the pan.
5. Keep the syrup warm over low heat to allow the flavors to infuse while preparing the fruit.

FOR THE KEBABS

1. Skin and core the pineapple, then cut it into 1-inch chunks.
2. Cut the mangoes in half, remove the flesh, and cut it into large chunks.
3. Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch slices.
4. Thread the pineapple, mango, and banana pieces onto 8 metal skewers or wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Preheat the barbecue coals or the broiler to medium-hot.
6. Remove the clove and cinnamon stick from the syrup.
7. Place the kebabs on an oiled rack and cook, turning once, and basting frequently with the syrup.
8. Cook until the fruit is lightly browned on the outside, for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the fruit may fall apart.
9. Drizzle the kebabs with any remaining syrup and serve immediately.
10. Serve the fruit kebabs with nondairy ice cream or nondairy yogurt.

VARIATIONS:

ORCHARD FRUIT KEBABS 

• Prepare the basic recipe, replacing the tropical fruit with 1 large apple and 1 large pear, chopped into 1-inch chunks and coated with lemon juice, and 6 halved plums.

TROPICAL FRUIT & BAGEL KEBABS 

• Prepare the basic recipe. Cut a bagel in half and spread with nondairy butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut each bagel half into 6 pieces and thread them on the skewers with the fruit.

TROPICAL FRUIT KEBABS WITH ORANGE CINNAMON SYRUP

• Prepare the basic recipe, adding 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate in place of the vanilla in the syrup.

TROPICAL FRUIT KEBABS WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE 

• Prepare the basic kebabs, and serve with chocolate sauce.