I think I might have a perfect end of summer meal for you: Grilled Pork Chops with Plum Compote along with Grilled Plums on the side.

Grilled Plums with Mascarpone & Balsamic Gastrique
This is just a fun little whisper of a dessert, barely sweet and absolutely scrumptious. I don’t know why it took my so long to grill plums and serve them for dessert. I just didn’t “get” it. Now I do. Brushed lightly with honey and seared over high heat for just a minute totally intensified the flavor.

Polenta Budino with Plum Marmellata
I could hardly believe my eyes as I turned the pages of this month’s Bon Appetit…and saw this recipe in the R.S.V.P. section. A dessert from the famed Babbo in NYC. Now, I don’t know about you, but I may never have a chance to eat at Babbo, but this? This dessert is easy to pull off.

Any Fruit Crisp with Streusel Topping
Apple Crisp is American as Apple Pie, but fruit crisps are so good with many fruits or combinations. I’ve been making variations with this simple recipe for years – so easy it’s almost a non-recipe. Don’t let that fool ya, though, these crisps are always beautiful, brimming with fresh fruit flavor.