Pineapple Weave

About the Pineapple Weave

The Pineapple Weave is an innovative dessert, weaving together tropical flavors and a touch of tradition. Originating from a blend of Polynesian and Western cuisines, this dish highlights the vibrant pineapple in a new jazzed-up avatar. The concept of weaving fruit stems from the age-old art of basketry in many coastal cultures, symbolizing unity and creativity.

Ingredients

• Pineapple - 1 large, ripe
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Butter - 50g
• Puff Pastry - 300g
• Egg - 1, for egg wash
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon

Equipment

• Pastry brush
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Oven
• Mixing bowl

Preparation

Preparing the Pineapple

Begin by peeling and coring the pineapple. Cut it into thin, even slices. This will ensure uniformity in the weaving process. Set the slices aside.

Creating the Caramel Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and butter. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract and cinnamon elevates the flavor profile. Mix thoroughly until the blend is smooth.

Rolling the Puff Pastry

Take the puff pastry and roll it with a rolling pin until it’s about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the pastry into long strips, ideally about the width of a finger. These strips will form the lattice for the pineapple weave.

Cooking Process

Weaving the Pineapple

Lay out the pastry strips on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Place a pineapple slice atop the strips and begin weaving more strips over and under the pineapple slices, creating a lattice pattern. This is time-consuming but the aesthetic appeal is worth the effort.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). With a pastry brush, apply egg wash over the pastry to ensure a golden crust. Bake the weave for about 20 minutes. Remember to set a cooking timer to avoid overcooking.

Final Touches

Once golden and crisp, remove the pineapple weave from the oven. As it cools, the caramel mix will slightly harden, merging all components beautifully.

How to Enjoy

Serve the pineapple weave warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. The contrast of cool creaminess with the warm, flaky pastry makes for a delightful experience. This dish can be paired with a light tropical punch or a simple iced tea, further enhancing the tropical vibe. Enjoying it in a relaxed outdoor setting can transport you to a beach-side retreat.