Crispy and Sweet Pineapple Rings

Pineapple happens to be a favorite fruit of mine and I jump at the chance when they go on sale in our local store. When you first bring a pineapple home from the market allow it to sit out on your counter and give it a few days to ripen. As it ripens it emits its wonderful aroma and once you can begin to smell it, do not let days go by until you use it.

Instead of just plain sliced pineapple I began to think of ways to use the pineapple and came up with this super duper easy and wonderful little dessert idea - crispy and sweet pineapple rings. When you bit into it you get the lovely, naturally sweet and soft pineapple. The exterior is just a little sweet with a nice crunchy texture which makes this dessert an all around pleasure to eat. You could eat these warm with a dollop of your favorite ice cream or even cold they are a delicious dessert snack.

• 1 ripe pineapple 
• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs - crushed down\
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. salted butter - melted
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• freshly grated nutmeg to taste

1. Peel and slice your pineapple into about 10 slices. Remove the cores.
2. Place the panko bread crumbs in a large baggie and seal. Crush and roll with a rolling pin until they are partially fine.
3. Add the bread crumbs to a mixing bowl along with the cinnamon and nutmeg and brown sugar. Mix with your hands and break down any lumps of brown sugar.
4. Next add in the melted butter and mix with your hands.
5. Using your hands pack the mixture onto the rings on both sides, pressing down.
6. Lay the pineapple on a parchment lined baking sheet. 
7. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 20 minutes until nice and golden brown.

My pineapple was on sale for $2.99 so this whole dessert cost me $4.35 to make, ten portions for 43¢ each! You can't beat that.

Sometimes I think I am genius and do not know where my ideas come from. Out of left field somewhere is my guess but I amaze even myself. The coating for this pineapple is a great substitute for a streusel topping for muffins and coffee cakes. You get the sweetness, the buttery flavor, the crunch and it is nut free. Better for those with nut allergies and it is also less expensive without the nuts.