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Martine Pierhagen

Strawberry baked brie on a gourmet grilling plank

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
Who can resist warm, gooey brie?

Strawberry Baked Brie is the easiest and most delicious appetiser for spring! Not only is this Strawberry Baked Brie cheesy and delicious, it’s also quick and easy to make.

The warm brie is topped with strawberries, basil, pecans, & a simple balsamic/honey marinade and you have an appetiser that’s a real crowd pleaser! The toasted pecans add an amazing crunch.

You’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 pint strawberries sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil minced
  • 1/3 cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1 round Brie cheese
  • crackers or sliced toasted baguette for serving

Step 1:

In a medium sized bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and honey together until well combined.

Step 2:

Place the sliced strawberries into the mixture, stir to coat the strawberries, and let sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper and place cheese in centre.

Step 4:

Bake on middle rack until cheese feels soft when pressed, about 15 minutes.

Step 5:

Remove strawberries from fridge and stir in fresh basil and pecans. Top brie with strawberry mixture and serve immediately with your favourite crackers or toasted baguette.

June 28, 2024

Cedar Planked Amaretto Peaches with Ricotta Cream

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
This is a perfect dessert for hot summer days, inspired by a classic Italian dessert called Pesche Ripiene con Amaretti, or Peaches Stuffed with Amaretti Cookies. It’s a light, refreshing fruit dessert that makes the most of those gorgeous end of summer peaches.

Roasted peaches add a depth of flavour that compliments the sweet, creaminess of ricotta and the Amaretto liqueur adds richness. Best yet, it’s a recipe that requires little prep and fuss. You don’t even have to measure anything. In no time at all, you’ll have a dessert to impress. Everybody will love it!

Pro Tips:

1. Grilled peaches are delicious, but this recipe works with any stone fruit.
2. Choose peaches that are ripe, firm and unblemished.
3. You can use whole milk or part skim ricotta for this recipe. We recommend whole milk for the creamiest texture and best flavour.

You’ll need:

  • CedarWorks NZ Gourmet Grilling Planks
  • Water, for soaking the planks
  • 4 peaches cut into halves, stones removed, and flesh scored
  • 250 g ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • 2 – 3 tbsp Amaretto liqueur
  • 50 g Amaretti biscuits
  • Flaked almonds, coconut flakes, or some fresh thyme for decoration

Step 1:

Soak your cedar planks in water for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2:

Drain the ricotta and place it in a bowl. Sweeten to taste with some caster sugar, and then pour in some Amaretto liqueur. Start with a tablespoon and just taste test it. You’ll know when to stop.

Step 3:

Arrange the peach halves on the gourmet grilling plank, cut side up. To keep them from rolling around on the plank, you can trim a small slice off the skin side, so they have a flat plane to rest on.

Step 4:

Divide the ricotta mixture between the peach halves, spooning the cream into the indentation left by the pit. Sprinkle lightly with sugar. Place the plank on the grill or in the oven for 3-10 minutes.

Cooking time will depend on how close the peaches are to the element or flame. The closer they are to the heat, the faster the cream will caramelise and the less cooked your peaches will be.

Watch closely and remove immediately when the cream is melted and caramelised to a light golden brown, but not burnt.

Step 5:

Using tongs, carefully remove the peaches from the plank. Lightly dust with sugar, add some crushed amaretti cookies and other toppings as you wish, then serve warm.

June 28, 2024

Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Dessert, Fruit
Natural wood gourmet grilling planks are not just for the BBQ. You can also use them in your oven.

These apples with cinnamon and brown sugar grilled in the oven on a Maple plank are a perfect dessert idea. Tender and perfectly caramelised.

For a finishing touch, we added vanilla ice cream, and you can add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to top them with as well.

Pro tip #1: Place a tray or cookie sheet on the rack below the plank to catch any juicy drips.

Pro tip #2: To keep this dish naturally sweetened, you can sub the brown sugar with coconut sugar, stevia or maple syrup.

You’ll need:

  • 2 Maple Gourmet Grilling Planks
  • Vanilla Ice cream
  • 2 Tbs. Cinnamon
  • 2 Tbs. Brown Sugar
  • A handful of walnuts or pecans

Step 1:

Soak the Maple planks in water for 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 160°C and core the apples. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on apple to your liking.

Step 3:

Place apples on plank, and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until desired softness.

Serve with vanilla ice cream, and top with more cinnamon and brown sugar plus add the nuts if you choose to use them.

Enjoy!

June 24, 2024

Cedar Plank Brie & Peaches

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
We’re a little obsessed with baked brie topped with caramelised peaches. This recipe is super easy and it’s the perfect summer appetiser or a nice rich dessert to serve at any time of the year!

Dipping your favourite crackers into this gooey melted brie grilled on a natural Cedar wood plank is just divine. Or as we call it… The Ultimate Taste Sensation!

You’ll need:

  • 1 small cedar plank, soaked in water for 2 hours
  • 1 wheel (8 oz.) Brie
  • 1 large ripe peach, cut into 8 wedges
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tsp. fresh thyme
  • 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
  • Bread or crackers for serving

Step 1:

Place the brie on the plank and spoon the peach wedges over the cheese. Sprinkle with a little salt and olive oil.

Step 2:

Place the plank with the cheese on it on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is warm.

Step 3:

Remove plank from grill and serve it with bread slices or your favourite crackers.

June 24, 2024

Cherry Planked Pineapple with Butter and Honey

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Dessert, Fruit
There is something quite magical about the combination of sweet, sour and smoky.

Cherry wood is perfect from grilling fruits as it shares the same flavour. You can use a variety of fresh fruit to grill on Cherry, and for this recipe we chose pineapple as it is a delicious, sweet and packed with vitamins.

It’s great year-round. In the winter months, you’ll get an extra boost of Vitamin C and in summer, it’s so nice and refreshing.

Servings: 4

You’ll need:

  • 5x 20cm Cherry Wood gourmet grilling planks
  • 1 pineapple, cored and cut into spears
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp honey, warm

Step 1:

Soak the Cherry Plank in water for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, preheat your grill to 200°.

Step 2:

Place pineapple spears on plank, drizzle the honey and melted butter over the fruit.

Step 3:

Place loaded plank on grill and close lid. Have a spray bottle of water handy for flare-ups.

Step 4:

Remove from grill when lightly browned, serve and enjoy!

June 24, 2024

Planked Goat Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Peppers

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Fruit, Vegetables
Goat cheese-stuffed mini peppers are such an easy, delicious, vegetarian party appetiser idea that your guests will love!

Roasting them on a gourmet grilling plank makes them soft, warm, and really brings out the sweetness of the peppers.

It’s delicious!

You’ll need:

  • 5 ounces spreadable goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives, divided
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • A jar of mini pepper or Peppadews, drained
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small natural wood grilling plank, soaked in water for at least an hour. We recommend Cherry wood for this recipe.

Step 1:

In a small bowl, mix goat cheese, 1 1/2 tablespoons chives, and parsley.

Step 2:

Transfer mixture to a pipping bag. Pipe the goat cheese mix into the peppers, then place them onto the Cherry wood plank and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Step 3:

Place the planks with the stuffed peppers on the cool side of grill, cover, and cook until they start to brown in spots, about 15-25 minutes.

Step 4:

Remove form grill, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tablespoon chives, and serve.

June 24, 2024

Tofu with Cherry Salsa on a Cedar Plank

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Fruit, Vegetables
Grilling tofu on a Cedar plank is a great idea! Not only prevents it from sticking to the grill, which would be a clean-up nightmare, but it also gives the tofu some texture and fantastic flavour. The plank gives the tofu a hint of wood, which is delicious.

This is also a much gentler of a cooking method than putting the tofu right on the grill. It ensures that the tofu gets cooked nice and evenly.

A marinate is a must, as it infuses the tofu with flavour. Brush some of the marinade over the tofu while cooking and you’ll get an even better flavour punch!

All sorts of sweet fruit salsas are delicious on top of these grilled tofu slabs, but for this recipe we’ve chosen a nice cherry salsa because it makes us feel all summery!

You’ll need:

  • 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • A standard package of extra firm tofu drained and pressed at least 20 minutes.

For the cherry salsa:

  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ⅓ cup chopped red onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander
  • Salt to taste

Step 1:

Fill a large shallow dish with water and place the cedar plank in to soak. Let the gourmet grilling plank soak for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 2:

While the plank soaks, marinate the tofu. Stir the soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, olive oil, paprika, and garlic together in a shallow dish. Cut the tofu in half, width wise, then cut each half in half, thickness-wise, so you have 4 rectangular slabs.

Place the tofu slabs into the dish with the soy sauce mixture and allow to marinate while the planks soak, spooning some of the marinade over the tofu every so often.

Step 3:

Heat your outdoor or indoor grill to medium-high and place the plank directly on the grill to preheat. Allow the plank to heat up for a minute or two, then use tongs to arrange the tofu slabs on the plank. Cover and grill for about 20 to 25 minutes, lifting the lid to brush the tofu with excess marinade once or twice during cooking. The tofu should be browned all around with dark edges when it’s finished cooking.

While the tofu cooks, stir all ingredients for the cherry salsa together in a medium bowl. Divide the tofu onto plates, spoon the cherry salsa over the top, serve and enjoy!

June 24, 2024

Cedar Planked Brie, Mango and Berries

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
Steal the show with this spectacular dish!

Grilling brie on a cedar plank adds a smoky flavour that complements the mild cheese and sweet fruit. The refreshing fruit perfectly complements the creamy, melty texture of Brie cheese in this easy appetiser recipe.

Pro tip: If you want to give this appetiser a little kick, you can replace the honey with a bit of chili powder. It’s a great combination!

Servings: 10

You’ll need:

  • 1 Cedar Works Cedar gourmet grilling plank
  • 1 small round (125 g) Brie cheese
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) diced mango
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) coarse salt
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey
  • 10 slices (1/4 inch/6 mm thick) baguette or crispy crostini

Step 1:

Soak your cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, fire up your gas or charcoal grill.

Step 2:

Remove plank from water. Place cheese (in rind) on the plank. Spoon mango and raspberries over cheese. Sprinkle with a little salt.

Step 3:

Place plank with cheese on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is warm.

Step 4:

Remove plank from grill. Transfer cheese and fruits to serving plate. Drizzle honey over cheese and fruits. Serve with bread slices.

June 20, 2024

BBQ Cedar or Alder Plank Pears

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Dessert, Fruit
Grilled pears are an easy side dish at a barbecue or better yet, a delicious dessert when paired with ice cream, whipped cream or frozen yoghurt.

This easy and oh so tasty recipe of pears grilled on a Cedar or Alder gourmet grilling plank is sure to impress.

It gently cooks the fruit, and a light sprinkling of sugar and cinnamon gives the pears its perfect finish.

The gourmet grilling plank protects the fruit from the heat and adds a subtle wood and smoky flavour.

Preparation: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ready in: 50 minutes
Serves 4

Step 1:

Preheat a smoker or closed grill to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

Step 2:

Clean the pears then slice carefully downwards to create 6 even thickness slices.

Step 3:

Lay all the slices out then brush with the butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar. Flip the pears then repeat.

Step 4:

A cold or preheated plank may be used. Lay the pears out in a decorative fashion of your choice, such as in portion servings.

Step 5:

Place in the preheated barbecue for 35 minutes.

Serve warm with fresh cream, mascarpone, ice cream or frozen yoghurt and enjoy!

June 19, 2024

Cedar Planked Figs with Pancetta and Goat Cheese

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Fruit
Salty, sweet, savoury, creamy and crunchy al in one, these Cedar plank grilled figs with pancetta and goat cheese will be a huge hit at your next party!

Plank grilling is perfect for small bites, finger foods and appetisers, because it’s easy to do and looks impressive. The plank serves for both cooking and serving.

If goat cheese isn’t your thing, a blue cheese such as gorgonzola would make a perfect replacement.

You’ll need:

• 10 fresh figs, halved
• 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces pancetta, sliced thin and cut into 1/2-inch strips lengthwise
• 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cedar planks, soaked for 1 hour prior to use

Step 1:

Place figs, cut side up, on a plate. Drizzle with Grand Marnier and season heavily with pepper and lightly with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wrap each fig with one strip of pancetta and secure it with toothpick

Step 2:

Dice remaining pancetta. Place pancetta in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pancetta until crisp, 7-10 minutes. Transfer pancetta to paper towel lined plate. Set aside.

Step 3:

Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with grey ash, pour out and arrange the coals on one side of the charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes.

Place planks over hot side of the grill until they start to char and smoke. Flip planks over and move to cool side of grill and arrange figs on top. Sprinkle figs with goat cheese and crisped pancetta. Cover grill and cook until figs soften and uncooked pancetta browns, about 15 minutes.

Step 4:

Remove planks from grill. Drizzle figs with honey. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve.

June 19, 2024
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