Brats, burgers, and baby-back ribs are the frequent fare on my neighbor's grill. While I enjoy the smoky aroma that comes wafting through my window, I prefer to grill healthier options. Some of my favorite foods off the grill are portobello mushrooms, salmon, and asparagus. While I have long grilled pineapple to top my turkey burgers, my new favorite treat is grilling fruit for dessert.

Spread a very thin layer of butter on halved peaches, plums, or pears. (For fewer calories, you could also experiment with non-stick cooking spray.) Place over a low flame and stay close -- fruit doesn't take long to heat through. The natural sugars will begin to caramelize and you'll be left with the most delectable and rich dessert -- and it's healthy to boot! It's a yum-factor of 100%. My favorite is grilled peaches sprinkled with cinnamon and topped with a dollop of lite whipped topping. You can also grill bananas (peeled for a soft, sweet treat or grilled longer and slower in their peel for a consistency similar to custard). Small fruits, like strawberries, can be speared on kabobs or grilled in tin foil. Fruits with very high water content (like melon or grapes) probably wouldn't hold up under the heat, though, so be choosy with your fruits.

The next time you fire up your grill, be sure to try out some fruit. It's a delicious addition to the classic backyard cook-out.