Cooking Method: Direct Heat

　　Suggested Supplies: 4 Bamboo Skewers

　　Barbecuing gets a bad rap sometimes as being the domain of fatty meats and high-calorie sauces, but the truth of the matter is that smoking and grilling don't add fat to a dish, only flavor. With the right ingredients the outdoor cooker can be the focus of cooking for a healthy diet.

　　These charcoal-grilled fruit skewers, with their spicy flair, make eating fruit exciting. It's a versatile dessert or side dish recipe that can be made with any number of fruit combinations. Pair it with grilled chicken and enjoy a guilt-free meal.

　　

Ingredients

Glaze

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

　　1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

　　1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

　　4 cups fruit chunks such as pineapple, peaches, and/or bananas

　　

Step 1

Build a charcoal fire for direct grilling. Soak the bamboo skewers in a bowl of water and set aside.

　　

Step 2

Combine the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Add the fruit and toss gently to coat with the glaze. Cover and refrigerate.

　　

Step 3

Thread the fruit on the soaked skewers, alternating each fruit type. Place the skewers on the grill and cook directly over medium-high heat for 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until browned and caramelized. Serve warm.

　　Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book by Chris Lilly. Copyright © 2009 by Chris Lilly. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Vice president, executive chef, and partner of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Chris Lilly oversees the two company-owned restaurants as well as their new chain of franchises.