Chocolate Dipped Pineapple Snack Food

CHOCOLATE DIPPED PINEAPPLE SNACK

Steps:

• Line a cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper. Set aside.
• Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.
• Slice the pineapple into rings, leaving the skin on.
• Cut the pineapple rings into wedges and lay them on the cookie sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the dark cocoa melts for 45 seconds. Stir. Continue to microwave in 15-second intervals until completely melted. Stir after each interval.
• Dip a pineapple wedge into the melted chocolate. Lay on cookie sheet. Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle with coconut and macadamia nuts. Gently press a maraschino cherry into the chocolate.
• Repeat step 6 until all of the pineapple wedges are decorated. Cover cookie sheet loosely with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes until the chocolate is completely hardened.
• Serve within 24 hours.

CHOCOLATE PINEAPPLE ON-A-STICK

Steps:

• Cut the top and bottom off of the pineapple then trim off all of the rind. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, remove the core, then cut each half into wedges. Arrange the wedges on paper towels and thoroughly blot off any excess moisture.
• Insert a lollipop into each pineapple wedge and line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.
• Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double-boiler then transfer them to a tall glass. Dip each pineapple wedge into the chocolate and shake off any excess. Place the pineapple on the baking sheet and repeat the dipping process with the remaining wedges. All the chocolate to fully harden.
• Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double-boiler then transfer them to a sealable plastic bag. Snip off the tip then pipe the chocolate across the pineapple wedges. Allow the chocolate to fully harden then serve.

CHOCOLATE DIPPED PINEAPPLE-COCONUT MACAROONS

Steps:

• For the pineapple filling: Puree the pineapple in a food processor and transfer to a medium skillet along with the sugar and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium-low and bring to a low simmer. Use a rubber spatula to stir and move the mixture around as it reduces and thickens to the consistency of very thick jam, 18 to 20 minutes (you should have about a heaping 1/2 cup). Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let cool completely in the skillet. The pineapple filling can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.
• Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and coat lightly with nonstick spray.
• For the macaroons: Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until frothy. Toss the coconut, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt together with your hands in another large bowl. Add the coconut mixture to the egg whites and combine with your hands; the mixture should pack together tightly when squeezed. Divide the mixture into 24 slightly heaping tablespoons and roll each into a smooth ball (slightly wet hands can help with rolling). Hold a ball in the palm of your hand and use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the middle. Reshape the edges of the macaroon back into a round if it cracks. Arrange about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, rotating the tray as needed for even browning, 20 to 24 minutes. Let cool completely on the tray.
• Set up a cooling rack over a baking sheet. Combine the chocolate and butter in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds; stir. Repeat until all of the chocolate is melted and smooth. Dip the bottom of each macaroon into the chocolate and press into the chocolate about halfway up the macaroon. Use a fork to help lift it out of the chocolate. Transfer to the cooling rack and allow to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens and sets up, about 20 minutes.
• Fill each macaroon with about 1 teaspoon of the pineapple filling. Store and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.