Festive Pineapple Boat

Name: Festive Pineapple Boat
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6-8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 large fresh ripe pineapple; 2 medium firm bananas, sliced; 2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped pecans; Dash ground cinnamon; Dash ground nutmeg; 3 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut; Fresh strawberries, optional

"My fondest childhood memories are centered in the kitchen with my mother," recounts Susan Phelan of Tallahassee, Florida. Reminiscent of one her mother taught her, this recipe is one she relishes sharing with her family.

Ingredients

1 large fresh ripe pineapple
2 medium firm bananas, sliced
2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped pecans
Dash ground cinnamon
Dash ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut
Fresh strawberries, optional

Directions

Stand pineapple up and cut about a third off of one side, leaving the top attached. Remove fruit from the piece cut off and discard outer peel. Remove fruit from the remaining pineapple, leaving a 1/2-in. shell intact. Cut pineapple into bite-size pieces; toss with bananas and kiwi. Spoon into "boat".
Combine brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg; sprinkle over fruit. Sprinkle with coconut. Garnish with strawberries if desired. Serve immediately.

Originally published as Festive Pineapple Boat in Crafting Traditions Premiere 1995