January 23: A surprising favorite: broiled grapefruit

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.”
John Gunther

Broiled Grapefruit

We had something similar to this on our first anniversary at a bed and breakfast on Pender Island, part of the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. This is a great starter dish for a formal brunch.

5 grapefruits, cut in half horizontally

1 cup walnuts

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup butter

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. cinnamon

Preheat broiler. Cut around each triangle section of the grapefruit half so your guests won’t have to dig! (There’s nothing worse than squirting yourself or your neighbor in the eye with grapefruit juice!) In food processor, briefly process walnuts, sugar, butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Arrange grapefruits on a large jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top each grapefruit with crumbled mixture, pressing down to make sure it stays put. Broil until tops bubble and turn brown. Serve immediately. Makes ten.

Conversation starter: When was the last time you couldn't fall asleep? Why was it hard? What helped? What didn't?