ananas/pineapple

Atlanta has been spoiled with the warm, spring-like weather we have had over the last several weeks.  Yes, weeks!  It has been lovely.  The warmth and bright sunshine made me to wish winter was over, if for any reason because I knew we’re going to be slapped with a cold blast. And, we did. Today.

So, I am staying inside, trying to organize, and plan little trips I want to take when the warm weather comes back for an extended stay. For a little inspiration, I enlisted the assistance of a “sunny fruit” to help transport me to a happy, tropical place. I eat pineapple fairly regularly, as is.  Or, with granola. It’s low calorie, at about 80 calories/cup and is a great source of Vitamin C.  And, it makes a marvelous midday snack when I need a little boost of energy.  Instead of sticking my hand in the candy bucket on my office desk, I use the natural sugars and tangy sweetness in the pineapple to get to the end of the day.

When I was given the opportunity to try the super sweet, golden pineapples from Frontera Premium Gold Pineapple, I was excited.  Grown in Vera Cruz, Mexico they are offered in grocers across America. Then they arrived, the pineapples were beautiful, pointy and rough on the outside, and perfectly golden and juicy on the inside. Although I was tempted, I wanted to do something with the fruit besides slicing it and (fork or not) chowing down on it in its natural state, in my kitchen, standing up at the counter.

Instead of giving into my temptation, I went into project-pinapple-pleaser mode. Unfortunately, the Kitchen Gremlins bombarded my kitchen.  Pineapple cupcakes, the base for Margarita cupcakes?  Fail. Coconut Pineapple Cake?  Fail.  A “casserole” thingy?  Fail.  Creativity?  Out the window with frustration.

So, at my wits end, I went with a simple, effortless, full of flavor little embellishment. A Pineapple Compote. Why a compote?  Admittedly, I was cranky after experiencing so many fails.  And, my work week was slammed with my full time job and lots of movement at my part time gig. With my days planned down to the minute, I wanted something satisfying to go with my week’s meal plan.  Needing it to remain on the healthy end of the eating spectrum, I decided to ramp up diced pineapple by stewing the fruit in honeyed syrup.

After all the fails, my compote hit the spot.  See?  If at first you don’t succeed, try, try…and try….and try again. I ate the compote with Greek Yogurt and am not hooked.  My guy friend ignored the yogurt and went for the desserts.  Ha!  Men.

Envious? Want to try these pineapples yourself?  You can.

Leave a comment below telling me how you like to enjoy fresh pineapple, or favorite pineapple recipe.  A weekly winner will be picked over the next three weeks, after midnight EST,  on Friday, February 17th, 24th, and March 2nd.  One lucky winner will receive fresh pineapple with each drawing, from Frontera Produce.

But, wait!  There’s more.  All those who enter the are also entered to win the grand prize drawing after the March 2nd pineapple drawing.   The grand prize winner will receive Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker valued at $200, and fresh pineapple, shipped by Frontera.

For additional chances to enter, then by leaving a separate comment on this post for EACH entry to make all of your entries count -

• Like Mele Cotte on Facebook
• Follow Mele Cotte on Twitter
• Like Frontera’s Facebook Page
• Like Frontera on Twitter

The Need-To-Knows

• This Giveaway closes on March 2, 2012.
• Each weekly winner will only be edible to win the fresh pineapple once, allowing others the chance to win, but will be included in the grand prize drawing.
• There will only be one winner of (1) Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker.
• Contest open to US residents only.
• Winner will be chosen using random.org.
• Leave a separate comment on this post for EACH entry to make all of your entries count.
• The prize winner will be contacted by email and the prize must be claimed within 48 hours or it will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected.
• No purchase necessary to enter or win.
• Disclosure: I received samples of Frontera’s pineapples, but I was not compensated in any other way. I was not obligated to complete this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ooh!  I almost forgot – Frontera will be running a separate Pineapple Paradise Facebook contest giving away weekly prizes of fresh pineapple. Check that out, as well!

Good Luck!

Update: 

The winner of the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker is…

Congratulations Dessert of Two (Christina)!  Get you’re favorite top shelf tequila and triple sec ready!  It’s time to celebrate.

The March 2 winner is …

Congratulations CarolynH!

The February 24th winner is …

Congratulations Connie! And, I appreciate you following me on FB! 

Update:  The February 17th winner is …

Barbara! Congratulations!

Other Pineapple Eats on Mele Cotte

• Grilled Pineapple & Corn Salad
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake (with cranberries)
• Pineapple Cucumber Gazpacho
• Sangria Cupcakes

Tagged as: Arpante, Breakfast, compote, dessert, fresh fruit compote, fresh pineapple, frontera produce, giveaway, greek yogurt, Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker, Mele Cotte, pineapple, Pineapple Compote, recipe