Granted, grapefruit is not everybody’s cup of tea. It is bitter — and sour — and garners the same kind of feelings that people generally have towards cilantro. You either love it. Or hate it. I love it.
This way of eating grapefruit — with caramelized sugar overtop –will help convince any grapefruit-hater that they should reconsider this plump pink citrus. Adding sugar to the fruit and broiling it adds a good dose of sweetness, and eating it warm also adds a new dimension of flavour since grapefruit is most often eaten cold. I’ve mentioned here before that I’m in a constant battle to try to love breakfast. It’s just not my favourite meal of the day (although it’s the one that should make you start the day on the right, healthy note). This easy little switch-up has reconciled me with my morning routine, and only takes minutes to put together. I usually pair it with a warm cup of tea, and a slice of fresh baguette with a dollop of soft goat cheese.
I use vanilla sugar in this recipe (basically sugar mixed with vanilla bean seeds). You can either make your own by mixing the seeds with some sugar and rubbing them together with your hands until combined, or buy vanilla sugar directly from a specialty store. If you have a blow torch (I’m talking to you, crème brûlée lovers!) you can definitely use it to caramelize the sugar on top of the grapefruit. Otherwise, putting these under the broiler does the trick as well.
Bruléed Grapefruit
Serves 4
2 grapefruits, cut in half
3 tbsp vanilla sugar
Trim off bottom of grapefruit to flatten so that the grapefruit halves are stable. Loosen grapefruit segments using a pairing knife.Sprinkle sugar over cut grapefruit halves; set, cut-side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Broil, until sugar has melted and grapefruit flesh starts to caramelize, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool slightly. Enjoy!
yummychunklet
January 11, 2014 at 11:16 pm (10 years ago)What a tasty idea!
jennifer
January 14, 2014 at 7:24 am (10 years ago)Thank you!
Jan @ Family Bites
January 12, 2014 at 11:42 am (10 years ago)I’m not much of a grapefruit lover, unless it’s in a salad with lots of other good things, but I think this recipe could convince me to give it a try again.
jennifer
January 14, 2014 at 7:24 am (10 years ago)I think it might!
Monica
January 13, 2014 at 8:59 am (10 years ago)I love grapefruit so this is for me! I’ve yet to taste a bruleed grapefruit and I know I would love it. It looks so beautiful; I need to try this one day!
jennifer
January 14, 2014 at 7:23 am (10 years ago)Let me know what you think!
Beth
January 14, 2014 at 6:37 am (10 years ago)I’m definitely on the side of those who love grapefruit. What a wonderful way to serve it!
jennifer
January 14, 2014 at 7:24 am (10 years ago)It’s so delicious! And a great brunch idea if you’re entertaining!
Joanne
January 14, 2014 at 7:52 am (10 years ago)I am definitely firmly in the LOVE camp. And shall be having this for dessert tomorrow. YUM.
Patty
January 14, 2014 at 9:38 am (10 years ago)Great idea! Love your photo-now I need to pick up a few grapefruits!
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs
January 14, 2014 at 5:02 pm (10 years ago)Unlike cilantro, I really like grapefruit, so I can’t wait to have this for breakfast soon. Vanilla sugar is so good! x
jennifer
January 14, 2014 at 5:07 pm (10 years ago)Let me know what you think!
Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron
January 15, 2014 at 12:21 am (10 years ago)Clever! Putting grapefruits on my shopping list. 🙂
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes
January 15, 2014 at 10:41 am (10 years ago)There is literally a big fat grapefruit in the fridge waiting on me right now. Dear Lord, this looks heavenly!!
jennifer
January 16, 2014 at 5:05 pm (10 years ago)It’s so good!
lisaiscooking
January 15, 2014 at 11:34 am (10 years ago)I love grapefruit, but I’ve never eaten this way. I have to try it! I even have a blowtorch to use.
jennifer
January 16, 2014 at 5:04 pm (10 years ago)It’s that much easier with a blowtorch. I hope you like it as much as I do!
Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)
January 17, 2014 at 6:52 am (10 years ago)This is such a smart idea – LOVE it!
jennifer
January 18, 2014 at 7:32 am (10 years ago)Thanks Mardi! I hope you give it a try, it’s one of my favourites!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession
January 17, 2014 at 10:50 pm (10 years ago)This is just suchhhh a FRESH take on breakfast!!!!!! Bruleeing them may have never crossed my mind! Such a brilliant idea! 🙂
jennifer
January 18, 2014 at 7:32 am (10 years ago)It does make it feel new and fresh! And let me tell you, for a few minutes of cooking, it makes an incredibly delicious breakfast/brunch option!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen
January 25, 2014 at 9:20 am (10 years ago)I’m a huge fan of grapefruit – so fresh and healthy! I’ve never broiled it before though – so I need to try this!