Have a napkin handy when you serve these luscious grilled pineapple skewers. They’re as fun to eat as they are juicy, so we can’t guarantee that everyone stays perfectly clean. Grilled pineapple is a classic, but this version spices things up a bit, with just a pinch of heat that even kids will enjoy. Seared only until they begin to release their delicious juices but are still firm, these pineapple pops are topped off with a dollop of lime-zested coconut cream that’s perfect for dipping.
Coconut cream is made using a chilled can of coconut milk. Be sure to use full fat—not light—coconut cream, and chill it well overnight.
14 oz (400 mL) can of coconut milk, chilled overnight
4 tsp (20 mL) lime zest (about 2 limes)
For maximum effect, chill bowl and beaters overnight. About 4 hours in advance of serving, drain liquid from can (save for another use) and scoop out solid cream. Place cream in bowl of stand mixer. Whisk on high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add lime zest and mix to incorporate. Reserve, covered, in refrigerator, or chill in a very cold cooler until you’re ready to serve.
Per serving:
About 4 hours in advance, make coconut whipped cream according to directions in the tip below and reserve.
You can also make sugar-spice mixture ahead of time by combining coconut sugar, spices, and salt, and setting aside. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
When ready to serve pineapple, insert soaked bamboo skewer into each piece of pineapple. Lightly dust each spear with sugar-spice mix. Heat grill to 375 F (190 C). Brush grill with a bit of neutral-flavoured oil (grapeseed oil works well) and place pineapple skewers down at a 45-degree angle to grill grates; cook for 1 or 2 minutes, or until you have a nice grill mark and the pineapple lifts easily. Lift and replace pineapple at the opposite 45-degree angle to make a cross-hatch grill pattern. Repeat on the other side.
To serve, scoop a tablespoon of coconut whipped cream into a dish and top with a pineapple skewer. Sprinkle with additional lime zest if desired. Dip pineapple into coconut whipped cream as you eat it.