Tropical Thoughts.....

The weather here has been so dreary. Central NY is not having a very nice summer...rain, cool temperatures. A lot of the blahs going around. So we have to make the best of it by making happy food!! How about a tropical sundae? I found a version of this in ALL YOU magazine and changed it up a bit. Result? Delicious and like a pina colada for kids! For an adult version of this dessert, add a little white rum to the caramel sauce. Or you can try using a different flavor of ice cream...I used Dulce de Leche. You can always add a sliced banana to the pineapple and caramel sauce while you are caramelizing. This would be like a warm banana split with some fresh whipped cream and toasted peanuts on top. Use your imagination. This is a cool and decadent way to end your summer supper!

Pina Colada Sundae
1 cored fresh pineapple
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3 cups vanilla ice cream
Toasted coconut


1. Slice pineapple into eight rings and cut each into 6 pieces.
2. Warm butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. When butter begins to foam, add pineapple and brown sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until pineapple begins to brown and sugar is dissolved, 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat, scrape into a shallow bowl and let stand until just warm to the touch, 2-3 minutes. (If you wish to add rum, add when you remove from the heat and stir well. Then let rest.)
3. Divide ice cream among 6 dessert dishes or layer into parfait glasses. Top each dish with pineapple and sauce. Sprinkle with toasted coconut