Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Honey-Lime Marinade

Ingredients

• For the Marinade:
• 2 tablespoons dark honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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• Other Ingredients:
• 1 firm; ripe pineapple
• 8 wooden skewers; soaked in water for 30 minutes or metal skewers
• 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)
• 1 tablespoon grated lime zest

Instructions

• Prepare the Grill: Heat up a charcoal grill or gas grill. If using a broiler; preheat it. Lightly coat the grill rack or broiler pan with cooking spray. Position the cooking rack 4 to 6 inches away from the heat source.
• Make the Marinade: In a small bowl; combine the dark honey; olive oil; fresh lime juice; ground cinnamon and ground cloves. Whisk everything together until well blended. Set aside.
• Prepare the Pineapple: Cut off the crown of leaves and the base of the pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright and use a large; sharp knife to remove the skin. Cut downward just below the surface in long; vertical strips; leaving the small brown "eyes" on the fruit.
• Remove Eyes and Core: Lay the pineapple on its side. Cut a shallow furrow following a spiral pattern around the pineapple to remove all the eyes. Cut the peeled pineapple in half lengthwise. Cut each half into four long wedges. Slice away the core. Cut each wedge crosswise into three pieces.
• Thread the Skewers: Thread three pineapple pieces onto each skewer.
• Apply the Marinade: Lightly brush the pineapple pieces with the marinade.
• Grill/Broil the Pineapple: Grill or broil the pineapple skewers; turning them once and basting with the remaining marinade once or twice. Grill until the pineapple is tender and has a golden color; approximately 5 minutes on each side.
• Final Touches: Remove the pineapple from the skewers and arrange them on a platter or individual serving plates. If using; brush the pineapple with dark rum. Sprinkle grated lime zest over the pineapple.
• Serve: You can serve the grilled pineapple skewers hot or warm.
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• Tips: Soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes before grilling.