Balsamic Goat Cheese Grilled Plums

# What You'll Need:

→ Plums

01 - 4 ripe but firm plums, halved and pitted

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Cheese and Garnish

03 - 3.5 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened

04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or basil, optional

05 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Balsamic Glaze

06 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

07 - 1 tablespoon honey

# Directions:

01 - Set grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and allow to reach proper temperature.

02 - Brush the cut sides of plum halves evenly with olive oil.

03 - Place plums cut side down on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks develop and fruit softens slightly. Flip and cook the reverse side for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving surface.

04 - Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

05 - Arrange grilled plums on a platter cut side up. Spoon or pipe a dollop of goat cheese onto each plum half.

06 - Drizzle balsamic glaze over assembled plums. Sprinkle with fresh mint or basil and black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It takes less than 20 minutes but looks like you spent an hour fussing over presentation.
The sweet-savory balance makes it work as both an appetizer and a finale.
You only need a handful of ingredients, and most are probably already in your kitchen.
Grilling fruit brings out a caramelized depth that feels fancy without any real effort.

02 -

Do not skip the oil, I learned the hard way that plums will weld themselves to a dry grill grate.
Let the glaze cool for a minute before drizzling, or it will slide right off the fruit instead of clinging.
If your plums are rock hard, they will not soften in time, choose fruit that has a little give.

03 -