RECIPE: CINNAMON-SUGAR GRILLED PINEAPPLE SPEARS

RECIPE:  Grilling season is approaching (if it hasn't reached you already!) so let's kick it off right with a juicy-sweet treat that's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious... Cinnamon-Sugar Grilled Pineapple Spears.  I've seen a few variations to the recipe, but the basics are always the same: three ingredients.  Pineapple, Cinnamon, Sugar.  Easy.  You can spice it up however you please (I included Cinnamon-Sugar) but the bottom line is simple.  Slice, Mix, Grill, Eat.  Read on to find out my personal recipe for a dessert that will wow you with flavor, fun, and simplicity.

SHOPPING BAG

1 Fresh Pineapple, Ground Saigon Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar

TOOLBOX

Cutting board, Knife, Plastic Zip-Lock Bag, Grill, Tray, Tongs

FUN FACT

A pineapple with larger and fewer scales will have a milder tropical taste, but will be sweeter and juicier!

STEP 1

Turn on the grill.  Prepare your workspace.  Get ready to create deliciousness!

STEP 2

Cut off the stem of your pineapple and remove the scales.  The easiest way to do this is to slice straight down on all sides of the pineapple, staying close enough to the scales so not to waste the juicy fruit inside.  Once you're left with just the lovely yellow fruit, begin to slice into triangular or rectangular spears.

STEP3

 Fill a Zip-Lock bag (or other container that closes) with a mixture of Ground Saigon Cinnamon (the best cinnamon there is!), Cinnamon-Sugar (McCormick makes this... it's an actual product and tastes fantastic on sweet potato fries), and Dark Brown Sugar.  I would tell you how much of each to add, but I'm kind of a sight, smell, and taste person.  Measuring cups aren't really my thing.  All I can say is mix the brown sugar and saigon cinnamon first until blended and add in the cinnamon-sugar after.  Shake until thoroughly mixed.

STEP 4

Place a pineapple spear into the bag and shake until thoroughly coated.  Remove carefully.   (Head's up: The mixture will be pretty gooey once the pineapple juice hits it!)

STEP 5

Place your cinnamon-sugar coated pineapple spears onto a grill tray (or you can spear them with skewers if you'd rather do that) and be sure to leave some space so they don't stick together.

STEP 6

Carefully place the grill tray (or skewered spears) onto the grill above the flame.  Close the top and hang out while your creation's delicious aroma fills the air around the grill!

 

STEP 7

Every few minutes, use your tongs to rotate the pineapple spears so that another side faces the flame.  We want the cinnamon/sugar to sink in evenly! Don't neglect your babies!  We also DO NOT want them to burn!

STEP 8

 Once all sides of the pineapple spears are grilled, you're good to go!

STEP 9

Turn off the flame and gas to the grill (if you're not cooking anything else) and leave the tray on there for just a few more minutes while your flavors sink in.  Then, carefully remove and allow to cool.

STEP 10

Serve and enjoy!  They're going to be a sweet AND juicy treat for the whole family!

NOW GET OUT THERE AND GET GRILLIN' LADIES (AND GENTS!)