Given that I have a desperate need to bake things near constantly, I'm often looking for excuses. What's that? You're having a birthday in the next six months? OK! I'm making cupcakes and blaming you!
It happens all of the time.
But sometimes in my quest to figure out the exact right kind of cupcake, it occurs to me that she really likes to set food on fire. Can I set food on fire and blame it on someone's birthday?
YES, I CAN.
A zillion years ago I was in Chicago for work and nearly died happy after eating something very similar to this. I wasn't able to find an exact recipe that seemed like it would replicate the majesty that was the flaming pineapple I had on that trip, but I seem to have stumbled onto something equally good. And, it was easy. WAY easier than I expected.
AND I GOT TO SET FOOD ON FIRE! TWICE! Because I always test recipes at least twice!
Next I have to figure out how I can set some cupcakes on fire. THAT would be perfection.
Flaming Pineapple Rings
2 pineapples, cored and cut into thick (about 1/3") rings
1 can coconut milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
1. Find yourself a disposable cake pan. It's not essential, but it does make it much easier. Layer the pineapple in the pan. Pour the coconut milk over it (Uh, stir the coconut milk before you try pouring it out of the can -- TRUST ME ON THIS. Ahem.). Allow it to sit for a bit -- at least an hour.
2. Flip the pineapple. Then sprinkle the sugar on top of the pineapple just before it's time to cook it.
3. If your grill is sticky, spray it with some nonstick grill spray. We have a new-ish grill, so I was able to put the pineapple directly on it without any sort of intervention. Grill the pineapple until it just barely starts to brown, being sure to turn it at least once.
4. Pour the excess coconut milk and pineapple juice out of your pan. Fun fact: that particular blend of awesome is OUTSTANDING added to a smoothie.
5. Place the pineapple back in your pan. Set your pan on the grill, which can be turned off. We're just using the grill because I'm paranoid and don't want to set the house on fire.
6. Pour the rum over the pineapple.
7. Set it on fire.
8. Enjoy the show.
9.The fire will extinguish itself. It will be a sad moment when the fire stops burning, but that's OK, because now you get to eat the pineapple.
10. It's crazy good all by itself, but it's even crazier good served with Toasted Coconut Gelato from Market District.
Now I just need to figure out that flaming cupcake thing ...