Now that we’re on the other side of an absolutely insane heatwave and a wild weekend celebrating 250 years of independence, I’m officially back to work as of this morning and doing my best to ease into a daily routine that doesn’t just consist of eating half my body weight in hot dogs, BBQ, steamed clams and popsicles while sitting in front of an air conditioner and watching the fireworks my neighbors’ braved the skyrocketing temperatures to set off every night over these last few days.
That’s not to say I didn’t contribute to the good food being shared or the good vibes being presented! I whipped up a nice, cold and fruity dip (served in a pineapple, no less!) that could be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or a dessert since it’s light and sweet – and was inspired by one of my all-time favorite tropical/Summertime drinks to indulge in this time of year.
You can serve this in a bowl if you’re not up for slicing and scoring a pineapple, but I thought it added a little something fun and extra when it came to the presentation! Best of all? It’s kid/family-friendly since it doesn’t contain any alcohol!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
3-5 SERVINGS:
FOR THE DIP:
- 1 block (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 oz.) Dole canned pineapple chunks
- 1 cup marshmallow cream
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- 5-8 maraschino cherries
FOR SERVING:
- 1 pineapple, sliced length-wise and scored (save the pineapple chunks for dipping!)
- Strawberries, whole or sliced
- Shortbread cookies
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, the can of pineapple chunks and the marshmallow cream and stir/whisk until everything is incorporated and thick. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to chill.
2. While the dip is getting cold in the refrigerator, cut a pineapple length-wise and score the center. Set the chunks aside and continue scooping along the edges to turn the pineapple halves into a bowl.
3. Remove the dip from the refrigerator and scoop into the halved pineapple “bowl”. Smooth the edges with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the shredded coconut on top and place the maraschino cherries in a pattern of your choosing.
4. Serve the dip/pineapple bowl with sides of pineapple chunks, strawberries, and/or shortbread cookies – and enjoy!
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Of course, you can serve this one with any “dippers” you choose, including other types of fruit or cookies. I’ve even been using this dip as a spread on my blueberry bagels in the morning which has been a nice change of both flavors and textures from my usual plain cream cheese topping – but feel free to get creative and experimental with it. That’s part of the fun!
A little later on this week, I’m shining a spotlight on an absolutely beautiful dress my boyfriend recently gifted me, some highlights from my Fourth of July Weekend, and plans I have coming up over the next couple of days that I’m really looking forward to – including a long overdue family reunion!
Until then – enjoy the start of your week, everyone!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 