Pineapple baked in orange vanilla sauce

Baked Pineapple in Orange Vanilla Sauce: A Tropical Delight for Your Soul

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert that beautifully combines tropical flavors, baked pineapple in orange vanilla sauce is the perfect choice. This dish will remind you of sunny days and summer vacations, even on the grayest autumn days. Here’s how to prepare it step by step, ensuring a result worthy of being served at the most elegant gatherings.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 large pineapple (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 200 g brown sugar
- 60 g butter
- 1 vanilla bean or vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice from 3-4 fresh oranges

The Story Behind the Recipe:
Baked pineapple is a dessert with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, often associated with joy and celebration. Its sweet and juicy flavors transform any meal into a tropical feast. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for impressing guests or rewarding yourself after a long day.

Practical Tips for Your Ingredients:
1. Choosing the Pineapple: Select a pineapple that is firm, with green and healthy leaves. It should yield slightly to pressure but not be too soft. A well-ripened pineapple is sweeter.
2. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides a deeper, caramelized flavor compared to white sugar. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar, but I recommend adding a bit of maple syrup to compensate.
3. Vanilla: If you opt for a vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. These will add a rich and authentic flavor to the sauce.
4. Oranges: Use fresh oranges for a more aromatic and natural juice. Store-bought juice may contain additives that can alter your dessert.

Preparation Technique:

1. Preparing the Pineapple: Start by peeling the pineapple. Cut off the top and bottom, then remove the skin with a sharp knife, making sure to take out all the "eyes" (the black spots) of the fruit. Cut the pineapple into rings or cubes, depending on your preference.

2. Coating in Sugar: In a bowl, add 100 g of brown sugar and roll the pineapple slices until they are well coated. This step will help caramelize the fruit during baking and enhance the flavors.

3. Making the Sauce: In another bowl, mix the remaining brown sugar (100 g) with cinnamon, the seeds from the vanilla bean (or vanilla extract), and the juice from 3-4 oranges. Ensure the mixture is homogeneous and fragrant.

4. Arranging in the Dish: Place the pineapple slices in an oven-safe dish. Pour the sauce over them, making sure each piece is well covered. Cut the butter into small cubes and distribute it evenly over the pineapple.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 90 minutes. Every 10 minutes, open the oven and baste the pineapple with the juice from the dish. This will help maintain moisture and intensify the flavors.

6. Checking for Doneness: The dessert is ready when a fork easily pierces the pineapple and the sauce starts to thicken, achieving a syrupy consistency.

7. Serving: After removing the dessert from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Cut the pineapple slices into rings (if you haven't done so already) and immerse them in the remaining sauce. My suggestion is to serve the baked pineapple on a bed of vanilla pudding or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperature and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Can I use canned pineapple? I recommend using fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Canned pineapple is often too soft and won’t have the same texture.
2. How can I vary the recipe? You can add nuts or roasted peanuts for an extra crunch. Additionally, you can experiment with other flavors, such as ginger or cardamom, to give it an exotic twist.
3. Can I prepare the dessert in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pineapple and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake according to the instructions.

Nutritional Benefits:
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and aids in iron absorption. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help with digestion. This dessert, while sweet, can be a healthier choice compared to other fat-rich cakes.

Ideal Pairings:
This baked pineapple pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or orange lemonade, which will complement the tropical flavors. Additionally, a scoop of plain Greek yogurt can add a textural contrast and a boost of protein.

With each slice of baked pineapple, you'll discover an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Wishing you great success and bon appétit!