Using a culinary torch is the best way to caramelize the sugar into a candy shell, but you can also make this old-school breakfast treat using your broiler.

Ingredients

• 1 Grapefruit half
• 2 Tabkespoons sugar

Preparation

1. Trim 1/4–1/2″ of peel from bottom of each grapefruit half to stabilize the fruit and prevent it from rocking back and forth.
2. Place grapefruit, cut side down, on paper towels to dry for 5 minutes.
3. Invert grapefruit and sprinkle 1 Tablespoon sugar evenly over exposed flesh of each grapefruit half.
4. Using a kitchen torch, heat sugar until melted and beginning to turn dark amber.
   Alternatively, preheat broiler. Transfer grapefruit, cut side up, to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Broil grapefruit, watching closely to prevent burning, until the sugar is melted and beginning to turn dark amber, about 8 minutes.
5. Let grapefruit cool before serving.

Grand-Marnier Variation

• 4 Grapefruit halves
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled (about 5 minutes)
• 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (a sweet, orange-flavored liqueur)*
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, mixing redients together until smooth.
2. Trim 1/4–1/2″ of peel from bottom of each grapefruit half to stabilize the fruit and prevent it from rocking back and forth.
3. Place grapefruit, cut side down, on paper towels to dry for 5 minutes.
4. Invert grapefruit and spoon 2 tablespoons of the sugary paste onto the top of each grapefruit. Using a tablespoon, a spatula, or even your fingertips, spread it as evenly over the top of the fruit as you can, stopping just when you reach the point where the fruit meets the flesh.
5. Using a kitchen torch, heat sugar until melted and beginning to turn dark amber.
   Alternatively, preheat broiler. Transfer grapefruit, cut side up, to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Broil grapefruit, watching closely to prevent burning, until the sugar is melted and beginning to turn dark amber, about 8 minutes.
6. Let grapefruit cool before serving.

Cook’s Note

If you’re serving this to kids, skip the Grand Marnier and use 4 tablespoons of melted butter!