Tropical pineapple rings (Print Version)

Golden pineapple rings soaked in rum, coated in sweet coconut, and fried crisp. Comes with a smooth rum-infused dip.

# Ingredients:

→ Coconut-rum pineapple soak

01 - 1 cup coconut rum
02 - 1 cup dark rum
03 - 8 slices of pineapple, fresh or canned

→ Coating prep

04 - 1/2 cup coconut milk
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 (10 oz) bag sweetened shredded coconut
07 - 1 1/2 cups plain flour
08 - Vegetable oil for frying (enough for 2-3 inches depth)

→ Creamy rum dip

09 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
10 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 2-3 tablespoons reserved soaking rum

# Directions:

01 - Put your pineapple slices into a medium bowl and pour both rums over them until they're covered. Cover the bowl and let them sit for at least an hour, or longer if you want stronger flavor. Drain the liquid, saving it for later, and gently dry off the pineapple with paper towels.
02 - Set out three dishes in a row. In the first, add the flour. In the middle, whisk the eggs and coconut milk together until smooth. Finally, spread the shredded coconut in the last dish. This will be your coating station.
03 - Grab a pineapple slice, give it a light coat of flour, tap off extra, and dip it into the egg mix. Then, press it into the shredded coconut until all sides are fully covered. Place it on a plate and repeat the process with the rest of the slices.
04 - Fill your deep pot with enough oil to make it about 2 inches deep. Heat it up to 350°F. Don't have a thermometer? Test the heat with a small bread piece—it should sizzle and turn golden brown in under a minute.
05 - Carefully place a few coated slices at a time into the hot oil, keeping some space between them. Let them cook until golden on one side, flip, and cook the other side. When they’re done, remove them with a slotted spoon and set them on some paper towels to soak up extra oil.
06 - While the fried pineapple is cooling, whip the cream cheese until nice and smooth. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, then a couple tablespoons of reserved rum from the soaking liquid. Taste it—if you want a stronger kick, add a little more rum.
07 - Pile your warm, crispy pineapple slices on a plate. Serve with a side of rum-flavored dipping sauce. Each bite will remind you of tropical vibes!

# Notes:

01 - It all comes together fast once the pineapple is soaked. Ideal for dinner parties—make the dip and soak ahead of time, and fry when you're ready to serve.
02 - Don’t toss that leftover rum! Mix it into a cocktail with a touch of lime, simple syrup, and ice for a refreshing drink.
03 - For a non-alcoholic version, soak pineapple in a combo of pineapple juice, vanilla, and coconut extract—still delicious without the booze.