Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset

Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset Recipe from Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset is a unique and flavorful dish that is perfect for Passover or any special occasion. This sweet and tangy recipe combines the tropical flavors of pineapple with the rich crunch of macadamia nuts, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.

History

Charoset is a traditional Jewish dish that is typically served during the Passover Seder. It symbolizes the mortar used by the Jewish slaves in Egypt to build the pyramids. This modern twist on the classic recipe adds a tropical twist with the addition of pineapple and macadamia nuts.

Ingredients

1 cup macadamia nuts (or 0.5 cup macadamia nuts and 0.5 cup almonds)
2-3 tbsp sugar
1 large apple
1.5 cup finely diced pineapples, preferably fresh
2-3 tbsp sweet red wine
1-2 tbsp chopped candied ginger or 1.5 tsp finely grated gingerroot or 0.75 tsp ground ginger
0.75 tsp cinnamon
0.25 cup finely diced dried papayas (optional)
1 banana

How to prepare

Grind 0.5 cup of macadamia nuts with 2 tbsp of sugar in a food processor until they become fine.
Chop the remaining macadamia nuts and/or almonds into fine pieces.
Peel and core the apple.
Grate the apple into a bowl.
Add the pineapple and 2 tbsp of wine.
Stir in the ground nut mixture, ginger, cinnamon, papaya, and chopped nuts.
Peel and finely dice the banana, then add it to the bowl.
Taste and add more sugar or wine if desired.

Variations

Substitute walnuts or pecans for the macadamia nuts.
Add dried apricots or figs for extra sweetness.
Use white wine instead of red wine for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely dice the pineapple and apple to ensure a smooth texture.

- Adjust the sweetness and wine to your taste preferences.

- Toasting the nuts before grinding them can enhance their flavor.

- Store the charoset in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the charoset as a side dish or appetizer with matzo crackers or on its own as a sweet treat.

Cooking Techniques

Grind the nuts in a food processor for a finer texture.

- Grate the apple instead of chopping for a smoother consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

- Swap out the pineapple for mango or peaches for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the charoset a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the charoset in a decorative bowl garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of sweet wine or sparkling water for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts

Summary

This Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in carbohydrates and healthy fats. It also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset is a delightful and unique dish that is perfect for any special occasion. With its tropical flavors and crunchy texture, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Hawaii with my family. I remember it like it was yesterday - the warm breeze, the sound of the ocean, and the sweet aroma of pineapple filling the air.

I had always loved cooking, and I spent many hours in the kitchen with my mother, learning her recipes and techniques. One day, a friend of my mother's came over for dinner and brought a dish that I had never tasted before - Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset. It was a unique twist on a traditional Passover dish, and I was immediately intrigued.

I asked my mother's friend for the recipe, and she was happy to share it with me. As she explained the ingredients and the method of preparation, I could tell that this dish held a special place in her heart. She told me that she had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

I was inspired by the story behind the dish, and I was determined to recreate it in my own kitchen. I went to the local market and gathered all the ingredients - ripe pineapple, crunchy macadamia nuts, sweet honey, and fragrant cinnamon. As I peeled and chopped the pineapple, I could feel the connection to my Hawaiian roots and the generations of women who had come before me.

I mixed the ingredients together in a large bowl, taking care to balance the sweetness of the pineapple with the richness of the nuts. The vibrant colors and textures of the dish were a feast for the eyes, and I knew that it would be a hit at our family's Passover seder.

When the time came to serve the Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset, I held my breath as my family took their first bites. To my delight, they all raved about the dish, praising the unexpected combination of flavors and the complexity of the spices. My mother's friend smiled knowingly, proud to see her recipe being passed down to a new generation.

From that day on, Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset became a staple at our family gatherings. It was a dish that brought us together, reminding us of our shared heritage and the importance of tradition. As I continued to perfect the recipe over the years, I added my own twists and variations, incorporating new flavors and techniques that I had learned along the way.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of simmering spices and the laughter of my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and our souls, and to create lasting memories with the ones we love.

So the next time you gather around the table with your family, I urge you to try something new, to experiment with flavors and ingredients, and to savor the moments that make cooking a joyous and meaningful experience. Who knows? You may just discover a cherished recipe that will become a part of your family's story for generations to come.