Cilantro Lime Grilled Fruit with Challah and Marscapone

Grilled fruit is a game changer.  Ever since I saw Alton Brown's episode on grilling, where he ended with fruit kabobs utilizing the last heat from the coals, I've been obsessed.  No fruit is safe; I've tried pineapple spears, stone fruit, lemons and limes for topping meat, and whole bananas.  So on kebab night (oh my lord spiedis straight from Binghamton, NY), I decided to switch it up with kebab strawberries!  A simple syrup infused with lime and cilantro is the star of this easy summer dessert.

Cilantro and Lime in EVERY Bite!

Cilantro Lime Simple Syrup

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup water

1 lime, zested

3 tbsp cilantro

Dissolve the sugar and water in a small sauce pan.  Add the lime zest and cilantro and bring to boil for about 2 minutes.  Pour the pale green syrup over a mesh strainer to remove the cilantro (it's a little crispy)

Marscapone Cream

1/2 cup marscapone

1 tbsp cilantro lime simple syrup

pinch of salt

Stir all ingredients for a great complement to fruit!

Grilled Fruit Skewers and Challah Bread

strawberries, hulled

chunks of pineapple

challah loaf

Cilantro Lime Simple Syrup

For the Fruit: Skewer on the metal skewers or SOAKED bamboo skewers.  For the strawberries, hull and thread on the skewer so that the hulls will all be face down on the grill at one time.  Using a silicone pastry brush (life and time saver!) brush the fruit with the syrup.  Grill until there are pretty grill marks.  This will take longer if you're going the Alton Brown route and using the last of the grill's heat.

For the Challah: Cut the bread into thick slices, about 3/4 inches.  Brush one side of the bread with the simple syrup and place in a grill pan over medium high heat syrup side down.  I used a flat lid from a smaller pot and two large cans to weight it down to ensure a great crust on the bread.  After 2-3 minutes I brushed the other side of the bread, flipped, and replaced the lid and can apparatus.  You end up with crunchy sweet toasted challah with pretty grill marks.

Assemble your challah with