Pineapple Puree For Pancakes

Our journey and discovery in Ecuador is not just the sights and sounds but also the food and it's availability. We not only had to adapt to some changes but wanted to learn new options to adapt to and bring back to the US with us. Such as something as simple as pancakes. Here, at least in Montañita, pancake mix is not very common in stores. We had to wait almost two weeks before we found any in stock. So can you imagine the sudden realization that maple syrup wasn't going to even be present? We adapted.

Who would've thought that our last name would be the first brand of pancake mix we buy in Ecuador? Now we are using YA brand and have for the past few purchases.

This fresh pineapple puree is delicious on pancakes and is a good alternative for maple syrup which is hard to find here on the coast. Pineapples? Very common. We even learned there was a white version and was just as delicious as the yellow pineapple. Though this adds more sugar to an already unhealthy meal so we do consider this more of a dessert rather than a breakfast item. It doesn't take too long to prepare, doesn't require many dishes, and is worth the effort.

What you'll need:

1 Fresh Pineapple

1/2 cup sugar

Blender

Cooking pan

To start, cut off the outer layer of the pineapple, and then cut into cubes, making sure to cut out the core of the pineapple as it doesn't blend very well.

The next step is to puree the pineapple in the blender, blending to whatever consistency you prefer. We don't like it too chunky as it interferes and overpowers the soft pancake when eating. (A very particular and probable autistic preference). Add the sugar and pineapple puree into the pan and cook on medium-high heat. Stirring frequently until the sugars start to caramelize giving the mixture a slightly brownish color.

And that's it, you have a finished pineapple puree for topping pancakes with! Feel free to make adjustments for taste, type of pineapple, more or less sugar, and time to cook will vary quite a bit depending on what stove/temperature you end up cooking with. Even blending in half a banana into the pancake mix (instead of egg) really adds to the delicious fruity flavor!

This is yet another meal that we will be making for our family when we head back! Please give it a try and let us know what you think or what adjustments you have made.