Grilled Peach Shortcake

Fredericksburg, Texas is know for its amazing peaches.    Here in Austin, there are peach stands on almost every corner and they are so delicious.After grabbing a bagful, I made this summer dessert that we can't get enough of!

Grilled Peach Shortcake

Shortcake Ingredients:

• 2 C flour
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1 T baking powder
• 1 t sea salt
• 1/3 C butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 C milk
• 1 vanilla bean

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment or silpat.   In a food processor, combine the dry ingredients.   Add the cold butter and blend until the mixture resembles corn meal.   Add the milk and the seeds from 1/2 of the vanilla bean.   Drop by rounded scoop onto silpat and bake for about 15 minutes.   As an option, you can brush the tops with a bit of cream for a glossy affect.

Peach Ingredients:

• 8-10 peaches
• baking spray
• heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 C confectioners sugar
• vanilla bean

Preheat your grill to medium and make sure the grates are really clean and free of the previously grilled food.   Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit.   Spray the cut side with a light coating of baking spray and transfer onto the grill for about 5 minutes.   In the mean time, whip the heavy cream with the confectioners sugar and remaining vanilla bean seeds, until stiff peaks are formed.

Remove the peaches from the grill.   The skins may fall or sluff off easily, then cut into slices and put into a large bowl.   You can add a bit of sugar to the sliced peaches to bring out the juices if you want.   To assemble, cut a shortcake open, add your grilled peach slices and juice, top with the whipped cream and up the top of the shortcake on.   Makes about 10 - 12 shortcakes!