Vanilla Poached Pineapple Recipes

VANILLA-POACHED PINEAPPLE

Steps:

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

RUM BABAS WITH POACHED PINEAPPLE & VANILLA ICE CREAM

Steps:

• For the babas, gently heat the milk, then allow to cool slightly so it's tepid. Add 1 tsp sugar to the yeast, then pour in the milk and allow to stand for a few mins until the mixture is foamy. Combine the flour, remaining sugar and ½ tsp salt in a bowl, then pour in the yeast mixture, eggs and the melted butter and mix until smooth and shiny. Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for 1 hr.
• Butter and flour 6 dariole moulds or small metal pudding moulds. Knock back the dough; then, using your fingers, form 6 little balls and place 1 ball into each mould. Leave to prove again until the dough starts to rise over the top of the moulds, about 30-40 mins. Meanwhile, heat oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Space the moulds out on a baking tray, then cook for 15 mins. Leave to cool for a few mins, then carefully loosen the babas away from the sides with a small sharp knife. Turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool.
• For the poached pineapple, put the star anise, bay leaves, coriander seeds and sugar into a large pan with 1 litre of water, and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, add the pineapple and cook for 20 mins. Leave to cool for 5 mins, then take out the pineapple, drain and set aside. Add the rum to the syrup and allow to cool. Can be made the day ahead up to this point.
• To make the vanilla cream, whip the cream with the icing sugar and vanilla seeds to soft peaks. Set aside, then chill until ready to use.
• Halve the babas and drench in the rum syrup until soaked through. Serve with the pineapple chopped into chunks, plus a dollop of cream extra syrup for everyone to drizzle over. If you like, you can heat the 50g butter in a frying pan until browned, cook the pineapple rings on both sides until golden, then grind over black pepper before serving as above.

POACHED PINEAPPLE

Steps:

• In a large stockpot, combine sugar, 6 cups water, star anise, vanilla bean, and salt. Place over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Add pineapple, and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand until room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, and up to 3 days.

VANILLA-POACHED PINEAPPLE

Steps:

• 1. Peel pineapple, then quarter lengthwise. Cut out core, then cut each quarter lengthwise into 4 pieces (for a total of 16).
• 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.
• 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.
• 4. Preheat broiler.
• 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.
• 6. Cooks' note: Pineapple can be poached and liquid reduced 1 day ahead and chilled separately. Sprinkle with sugar and broil before serving.

VANILLA-POACHED PINEAPPLE SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut pineapple into quarters lengthwise; cut each quarter crosswise into 1/2-inch slices, and set aside.
• Scrap seeds from vanilla bean into a skillet; discard bean (or make vanilla sugar).
• Add water, sugar, and ginger root to skillet; stir. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add pineapple slices; cook 8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
• Pour into a bowl; cover and chill.