4 Pineapple Recipes to Get the Fiesta Started This May
It’s nearly May, which means Cinco de Mayo is quickly approaching! Although we can’t celebrate the holiday at our favorite Mexican restaurants right now, there’s no excuse not to throw a party at home. Whip up some of our favorite tropical treats, schedule a Skype session with your friends and family, and play some great music for the perfect, quarantine-friendly fiesta.
Pineapple Empanadas
If you’re craving the perfect combination of sweet and tart, look no further than these empanadas de piña, which feature a filling made of fresh Costa Rican pineapple. With warm spices like cinnamon and anise, these treats are both delicious and comforting and will keep you coming back for more – even after Cinco de Mayo is over.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/4 cups shortening
- 1/2 cup sugar, plus 1/2 cup for dusting empanadas
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp anise seeds
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, for dusting
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 2 cups Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup piloncillo or dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup cold water
- 2 cups Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup piloncillo or dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup cold water
Find the full recipe via Hispanic Kitchen.
Grilled Pineapple Coconut Guacamole
While we’re big fans of classic guacamole, we also can’t turn down the chance to give it a tropical twist. This dip gets some extra flavor from jalapeno, coconut, and sweet grilled pineapple. With this around, you might not even need an entrée – just plenty of chips.
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe avocados, mashed
- 1/2 cup diced grilled Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 tbsp light coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Find the full recipe via Girl Vs. Dough.
Tacos al Pastor
While the pork for tacos al pastor is usually cooked over a trompo, or vertical rotisserie, this recipe uses a grill on low heat to create a similar effect without needing special equipment. The pork is marinated in a dressing full of chiles, garlic, vinegar, and pineapple for several hours, then grilled slowly to bring out all the delicious flavors. With a tropical salsa on top, these tacos are truly irresistible and perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Ingredients:
- 10 guajillo chiles, seeds removed
- 2 chiles de arbol
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, sliced 3/4” thick
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp prepared or fresh achiote paste
- 3 oz kosher salt, plus more
- 1 Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2” rings, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided
- 2 red habanero chiles, seeds removed, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 16 corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
Find the full recipe via Bon Appetit.
Cucumber, Pineapple, & Tajin Popsicles
Cool off from the heat of your tacos with these frosty paletas featuring pineapple and Tajin. This Mexican spice blend is the perfect blend of chilis, salt, and lime, and pairs perfectly with tropical fruits. While we’re big fans of Tajin sprinkled on top of fresh pineapple for a simple treat, the seasoning also welcomes more creative uses, like in popsicles. This recipe is fun to make with kids and only uses two tablespoons of added sugar, so you can enjoy as many as you’d like for Cinco de Mayo.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cup cubed cucumber, peeled and deseeded
- 1 cup cubed Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple
- 2 tbsp sugar, or your favorite sweetener
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp Tajin
- 2 3/4 cup cubed cucumber, peeled and deseeded
- 1 cup cubed Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple
- 2 tbsp sugar, or your favorite sweetener
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp Tajin
Find the full recipe via Dora’s Table.
If you throw a tropical fiesta this May, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @chestnuthillfarms. We can’t wait to see what tasty pineapple treats you make!
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