What's Up With That Pineapple?

 

The pineapple has served both as a food and symbol throughout the history of the Americas. 

The pineapple is recognized as a traditional expression of “welcome” throughout the South and in areas along the Eastern Seaboard. Appearing on all sorts of décor – from door knockers to quilts – the fruit symbolizes those intangible assets we appreciate in a home: warmth, welcome, friendship and hospitality.

The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality since the days of the early American colonies. The legend began with the sea captains of New England, who sailed among the Caribbean Islands and returned to the colonies bearing their cargo of fruits, spices and rum.

According to the legend, the captain would spear a pineapple on a fence post outside his home to let his friends know of his safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share his food and drink, and listen to tales
of his voyage.

As the tradition grew, colonial innkeepers added the pineapple to their signs and advertisements, and bedposts carved in the shape of a pineapple were a common sight at inns across New England.

The legend has continued to the present, and frequently one sees the pineapple symbol in hotels and restaurants to signal the presence of hospitality.

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Baked Pineapple Casserole

Cook's notes: Baked Pineapple Casserole, also known as Pineapple au Gratin, is one of those old fashioned Southern spring classic dishes that doesn't make an appearance much anymore. But it is simply a perfect side dish for roast pork or baked ham and ideal for the Easter table. You can make it with either the pineapple chunks or tidbits.

I guess to appreciate this casserole, you have to refrain from passing judgment on its ingredients: crushed pineapple, sugar, Ritz cracker crumbs, butter and cheddar cheese. This recipe defies logic and you just need to accept the facts that, if pineapple and cheese go together, and cheese and crackers go together, then pineapple, crackers and cheese are a perfect combination :)

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (20 oz.) chunk or tidbits pineapple, drained. Save 5 or 6 tbsp. juice to drizzle over casserole after mixing
• 6 tbsp. plain flour
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1- 1/2 c. grated Cheddar cheese (mild, medium or sharp as preferred)
• 1/2 stick butter, melted
• 1 roll (sleeve) Ritz crackers, crushed

Directions:

• Grease a 1 qt. baking dish with Pam
• Add flour and sugar together, mix well
• Add drained pineapple to flour mixture, stir until well mixed
• Add grated cheese and top with crushed Ritz crackers that have been mixed with melted butter
• Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly

Appetizer Pineapple  Cream Cheese Ball 

Cook's notes: The Pineapple Casserole recipe above reminded me of a Pecan Pineapple Cream Cheese appetizer recipe I have had since the 80's. It was a recipe that was always popular at parties.  

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, or mixture of green and red bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
• seasoned salt to taste
• 2 cups chopped pecans, divided

Directions:

• Combine cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped bell pepper, chopped green onion, seasoned salt, and 1 cup chopped pecans
• Chill in refrigerator until firm then shape into a ball
• Just before serving roll pineapple cheese ball in remaining cup of pecans
• Serve pineapple cheese ball with assorted crackers

In order to make cottage cheese or sour cream last longer, place container upside down in refrigerator.  Inverting the tub creates a vacuum that inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes food to spoil.