An unadorned grapefruit half is delightful. But an imaginatively topped half makes dinner or brunch even more special. A variety of foods can be used to add color and textural contrast to the zesty citrus taste. Toppings may be slightly sweet and fruity, such as those with exotic kiwis or crisp apples. Or the garnish may, like anchovies or red or black caviars, lend a savory and salty touch.
Basic Preparation:
To prepare grapefruit, cut in half, either with a straight cut or with attractive scallop shapes. Remove the core, if desired. Cut around each section, loosening the fruit from the membrane. Serve plain or adorned in one of the following ways:
* Florida orange sections, toasted coconut and raspberries.
* Place a dollop of sour cream in the center of each prepared grapefruit half and sprinkle generously with red and black caviar.
* Fresh spinach leaves, crisp bacon, red onion and hard-cooked egg slices.
* Melon slices and a strawberry.
* Sautéed shrimp and julienned red onion and red, green and yellow peppers.
Peppermint Patties:
Drizzle 1 tablespoon peppermint extract over the top of sliced grapefruit wheels. Serve chilled or broil for 3 minutes before serving. (45 calories)
Florida Grapefruit Almond Whip:
Spoon on almond extract-flavored egg white meringue on top of a sectioned grapefruit half. Bake at 425F for 2 to 3 minutes. (75 calories)
Florida Margarita:
Section a grapefruit. Combine sections with 1 teaspoon Triple Sec. Garnish with lime wedge. (55 calories)
Grapefruit ‘n’ Cream:
Top Florida grapefruit chunks with dollop of low-fat yogurt and sprinkle of brown sugar. (70 calories)
Licorice Twist:
Serve grapefruit sections with 1 tablespoon Anisette. (50 calories)
Grapefruit Bouquet:
Sprinkle a sectioned grapefruit half with ½ teaspoon fresh ground mace and garnish with a small, fresh flower. (40 calories)
Little Devils:
Arrange two hard-cooked egg slices on each prepared grapefruit half. Cover with two anchovies and two strips of pimento
Peachy Keen:
Splash 1 tablespoon peach-flavored schnapps on top of a sectioned grapefruit half, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes. (50 calories)
Peach Melba:
Arrange 4 peach slices on a grapefruit half. Spoon 1 tablespoon yogurt over peach slices; garnish with 5 raspberries. (80 calories)
The Old Fashioned:
Sprinkle grapefruit sections with nutmeg and cinnamon and garnish with maraschino cherry. (40 calories)
Red Rose:
Sprinkle red grapefruit with rosewater and garnish with fresh rose petals. (40 calories)
Island Paradise:
Sprinkle a warmed grapefruit half with 1 tablespoon coconut. (65 calories)
Nuts about Grapefruit:
Drizzle 1 ½ tablespoons almond extract over grapefruit, serve chilled or broil 3 minutes, garnish with toasted almonds. (45 calories)
Golden Cadillac:
Sprinkle Florida grapefruit wheels with 1 tablespoon Galliano. (50 calories)
Yogurt and Toasted Coconut:
Place a dollop of yogurt in the center of each prepared grapefruit half. Sprinkle with toasted, shredded coconut. For a sweeter variation, use a fruit yogurt, such as strawberry or cherry.
Cottage Cheese and Kiwi:
Arrange peeled kiwi slices on each prepared grapefruit half and cover with a small scoop of cottage cheese.
Granola and Apple:
Arrange sliced apples, pinwheel fashion, around each prepared grapefruit half. Sprinkle with your favorite granola-type cereal.