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 & 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 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

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

03 - Place the plums cut side down on the grill. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. Flip and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

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

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

06 - Drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with fresh mint or basil and a touch of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

It looks like you spent an hour but takes less time than most side dishes.
The sweet-savory balance is so good people assume theres a secret ingredient.
You can serve it as an appetizer or flip it into dessert depending on your mood.
Leftovers (if there are any) taste incredible on toast the next morning.

02 -

Don't skip softening the goat cheese or you'll end up with crumbly chunks instead of creamy dollops.
Let the balsamic glaze cool for a minute before drizzling or it'll slide right off the plums onto the plate.
If your plums are too ripe they'll turn to mush on the grill, so choose fruit that still has a little resistance when you press it.

03 -