Grilled Show Stopper

 Here's my segment from NBC Philadelphia.

Grilled Romaine

Try a new spin on salad. This was one of those recipes I did for my PBS grilling shows that made people scratch their head years ago. I was grilling lettuce before grilling lettuce was considered cool. Well, here's the how-to on grilling-up a delicious appetizer or side. And, it only takes a few minutes! Top with this dressing.

Grilled Romaine 
Makes four servings 
Adapted from Adventures in Grilling, 1996 by George Hirsch with Marie Bianco

2  heads of hearts of romaine lettuce, split in half & washed
4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves caramelized garlic
A pinch of sea salt 
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, rough chopped
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Shaved Parmesan cheese

Pre heat grill to high heat.

Cut the romaine heart in half lengthwise, leaving stem end intact. Soak romaine heads in bowl of cold water. Brush with olive oil.

Put romaine halves on hot grill. Cook for about 2 minutes each side, until lettuce begins to blister slightly and lettuce gets a slight char. Turn over and grill for 2 additional minutes.  

Remove and plate cut side up, and top each with remaining olive oil, balsamic, garlic cloves, Parmesan, prosciutto, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve while still warm. Optional: serve with thinly sliced prosciutto.