A Week of Pineapples!

I hope you had a nice, relaxing weekend. Our weekend consisted of a lot of lazying around, eating, movie watching, beach time, and even a little bit of organizing. It's amazing what you can accomplish {or not accomplish, as the case may be} when you are actually home.

While I was organizing my pictures and blog posts for the week, I noticed an interesting theme developing: Pineapples! Three recipes, to be exact, that starred this delightfully sweet, spiky fruit. And so, it got me to thinking that perhaps I'd make this week all about pineapples.

When I think of pineapples, I think of vacation. Scooped out pineapples boasting rummy cocktails, topped with cute little umbrellas. Sweet, juicy fruit salads brimming with tropical fruits. Icy sorbets served in pretty glasses. It's no wonder pineapples are one of my favorite fruits. I can practically smell the suntan lotion.

While pineapples are obviously quite sweet in nature, they make fantastic additions to traditionally savory dishes. They have just the right amount of tang to add that unexpected kick to a salty dish, and just the right amount of natural sugar to work it's magic in desserts and drinks.

Plus, pineapples are known as a symbol of hospitality and warm welcome. Who doesn't love a friendly fruit?! :) 

Today, I'm kicking off Pineapple Week with a drink recipe that is refreshing and simple, and even a little on the healthy side thanks to the green tea. Throughout the week, I'll post an appetizer, main dish, side dish, and dessert, that all incorporate... you guessed it... pineapple! Whether you decide to buy a whole pineapple and cut it up yourself or you take the easier route and purchase it conviently chopped and ready to go, I hope you'll give some of these pineapple-y dishes a try and add a little taste of tropical to your week!

Pineapple Mint Green Tea Cooler
an original Kitchen Prep recipe! {but inspired by a recipe found in Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet cookbook.}

You'll Need:

• 4 cups hot water {not boiling, this will make green tea release tanins that make it bitter}
• 3 green tea bags, I used Bigelow All Natural Organic Decaffienated Green Tea
• 1/2 cup all natural pineapple juice such as Ceres, sold at Whole Foods
• 2 limes {1 juiced, 1 sliced into wheels}
• A handful of fresh  mint leaves
• 1/2 cup all natural pineapple juice
• Sugar or your choice of natural sweetener {I used approx 1/8 cup natural cane sugar}

1. Steep tea bags in hot water, about 5-7 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.

2. Meanwhile, in a large pitcher, add mint leaves, sugar, 1-2 slices of lime, and the juice of 1 lime. Using a wooden spoon muddle together to release the mint flavor from the mint leaves, much like you would when making a mojito. This step isn't mandatory, but it will make a mintier tea than just throwing the leaves in and calling it a day.

3. Add pineapple juice and tea into pitcher. Cool in refrigerator.

4. Serve in tall glasses with ice. Rim glasses with sugar if desired and garnish with lime wheel.