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Vanilla-Poached Pineapple

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Vanilla-Poached PineappleRoland Bello

"I've never been keen on pineapple," food editor Paul Grimes admits, "so I challenged myself to make a pineapple dessert that I would actually like." Charring the wine-poached fruit caramelizes it and softens its acidity while highlighting its floral notes. With vanilla and a cidery syrup, this dessert feels at once wintery and light.

Cooks' note:

Pineapple can be poached and liquid reduced 1 day ahead and chilled separately. Sprinkle with sugar and broil before serving.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1 large extra-sweet pineapple
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
4 cups dry white wine
1/3 cup Grand Marnier
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 (2-to 3-inch) piece of cinnamon stick
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
2 cloves
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Peel pineapple, then quarter lengthwise. Cut out core, then cut each quarter lengthwise into 4 pieces (for a total of 16).

    Step 2

    Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into a 12-inch heavy skillet with tip of a paring knife, then add pod, wine, Grand Marnier, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved.

    Step 3

    Add pineapple to wine mixture and return to a boil. Remove from heat. Cool pineapple in liquid, about 1 hour. Transfer pineapple with a slotted spoon to a 4-sided sheet pan, then boil liquid until reduced to about 2/3 cup, about 35 minutes.

    Step 4

    Preheat broiler.

    Step 5

    Sprinkle pineapple with granulated sugar, then broil 3 to 4 inches from heat until slightly caramelized and lightly charred in spots, 10 to 15 minutes (watch carefully and remove any pineapple that colors more quickly). Serve drizzled with syrup.

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