How About Something Other Than Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

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And how appropriate...a dessert for lovers on this upcoming Valentines Day. And you know, there's no question that chocolate is number one for Valentine's Day. But here at Tonia's Kitchen, we're all about expanding your horizons!  So let's take a break from chocolate, and find out more about a delicious, and surprisingly simple fruit based dessert....grilled pineapple!  Chef Billy told Tonia he takes a fresh pineapple, peeled, cut in half with the core removed.  He then adds a light drizzle of honey and roasts it in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  This caramelizes the pineapple and brings out a delicious flavor!  It also goes great with fondue!

1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

3 tablespoons honey

1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, cut lengthwise into 8 wedges

1/4 cup crème fraîche or yogurt

1/3 cup natural unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir first 3 ingredients in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple; toss to coat. Let marinate, tossing occasionally, for 10 minutes. Place pineapple, one flat side down, on prepared sheet; reserve marinade.                                    

Roast pineapple for 15 minutes. Turn, brush with marinade, and roast until tender and caramelized, 10-15 minutes. Drizzle remaining marinade over; let cool slightly.                                    

Divide pineapple among plates. Spoon crème fraîche alongside. Garnish with nuts and mint.