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We are deep in the heart of summer now, and we are somehow managing to stay cool in the heat! One of the most important tools in my summer cooking is the grill. Hands down – it is the best option for creating delicious meals AND keeping the house cool. I try to avoid putting the stove on as much as possible during the summer, since heating up my house is something I want to avoid at all costs! We grill for lunch, for dinner, and even for dessert, as you’ll see today with these delicious grilled pineapple parfaits, layered with tropical goodness and Cool Whip!
We’ve been enjoying a few get-togethers with family and friends so far this summer, and I have to admit: sometimes I struggle when it comes to dessert. I put all of my energy into putting together an appetizer, an entree, and side dishes: then I panic when I realize I need the perfect sweet note to end the night perfectly! Ah! What to do?!?! Thankfully, the grill can be used for literally every element of the meal, including dessert!
Have you tried grilled pineapple before? If you haven’t, you need to do it immediately. Pineapple is great on its own, but when it is slightly charred on the grill it gets a slightly caramelized, delicious flavor added into the mix. I adore adding grilled pineapple as an element to our regular dinners (Justin loves it alongside grilled pork tenderloin. We use it as a pizza topping, or even add a slice on top of a burger), but as a dessert you just can’t go wrong!
As I walked into my local Walmart, I was immediately drawn to a HUGE display of beautiful, wonderful pineapples. Its like they were just waiting there for me…alongside a huge bin of Hass avocados (which happen to be another fun item to put on the grill, but that discussion is for another day and time). I was immediately inspired to create a tropical themed parfait for dessert to accompany some grilled pork tenderloin and mushroom risotto. A delicious combination, in my opinion!
I love that a parfait is easy to assemble: you can even prepare all of the ingredients in advance: all you have to do when it comes time for dessert is layer the items and serve: easy peasy! You can even create your own DIY parfait bar for guests to assemble their own perfect layered dessert. I know when it comes to me, I am notorious for piling on generous dollops of Cool Whip (I may even be guilty of enjoying a few spoonfuls straight from the container) – so good! Thank goodness Walmart and Kraft have my grilling (and dessert) needs covered for less!
The assembly is a snap, and you can even put together all of the components in advance so you aren’t rushing to put anything together at the end of the meal. I am all for that! Plus, kids can even get in on the fun. Simply layer some cubes of angel food cake (make your own OR pick up one that is already made at the Walmart bakery), sprinkle with toasted coconut and macadamia nuts, a few chunks of grilled pineapple, and a generous dollop of Cool Whip. Repeat the process until your dessert glass is filled, then dig in and enjoy! Can you get enough of the beautiful grill marks on the pineapple? I can’t. It brings out the awesome sugars in the fruit and makes it SO delicious to eat!
Of course, there are always other options for grilled fruit to consider if pineapple isn’t up your alley. When I was shopping I pondered the idea of mangoes and bananas as additional fruits that would taste great with this parfait combination. Tropical flavors – delicious! Of course, I’m partial to the pineapple, but I can totally get on board with almost anything on the grill!
Now, if you’re looking for some more recipe options for the grill, Kraft has come up with a great digital cookbook (that is FREE! You can’t beat that!) you can sift through and get inspired by! And of course, make sure you keep this delicious dessert recipe in mind as well!
- 1 pineapple, sliced into ½ rounds, grilled
- 14 ounces coconut, toasted
- Angel food cake, cubed into ½ inch squares
- 6 ounces macadamia nuts
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- First, preheat your grill. When it is ready, place the pineapple rings on the grates and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill and set aside to cool. Then, cut the pineapple into 1 inch slices.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the coconut in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the coconut turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- To create the parfaits, layer the ingredients as follows: add a few cubes of angel food cake, top with a sprinkle of toasted coconut and macadamia nuts, add some pineapple slices, and then top with a dollop of Cool Whip. Repeat with a second layer, then add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for garnish. Serve, and enjoy!
Be sure to check out more delicious Kraft grilling recipes at Walmart.com. I’d love to hear your favorite!
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