Pancakes are a brunch menu favorite. They are a blank canvas just begging to be elevated. Adding caramelized pineapple or pineapple caramel to the top of your pancakes is simple way to dress them up. Perfect for Easter or Mothers Day brunch. Or maybe just brighten up a weekend morning!

I had the pleasure of sharing this and couple of other ideas on the Lifetsyle Today show. Have some fun with the condiments you use for your brunch spread. Instead of just plain honey, make a spiced to go with your croissants. Add a compound butter into the mix. These little details make a big impact!

ingredients

Caramelized Pineapple

• 1/2 cup pineapple

• 2 tbsp butter, unsalted

• 2 tbsp light brown sugar

• pinch of kosher salt

Pineapple Caramel

• 3/4 cup pineapple, pureed

• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp butter, unsalted

• 6 tbsp heavy cream

instructions

1. In a large saute pan melt the butter.

2. Add the chopped pineapple to pan and stir gently to coat

3. Let the pineapple saute for about 3 minutes. Then sprinkle the brown sugar over the top. Stir gently to coat.

4. Let the pineapple simmer on a low heat for about 10 minutes. Until the pineapple starts to brown and the butter and sugar start to caramelize.

5. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the pineapple, gently stir. Remove from heat and spoon caramelized pineapple over pancakes

   Pineapple Caramel

6. In a medium size saucepan (no heat yet!) combine the sugar and the pineapple puree. Stir until dissolved.

7. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Every couple of minutes stir with a rubber spatula, making sure to clean the sides of the pot. This is to ensure all of the crystals of sugar dissolve.

8. After 20-25 minutes the mixture should begin to turn a golden brown color, deeper than the yellow color you started with.

9. Once the mixture is golden brown remove it from the heat and melt in the butter.

10. Stir in the heavy cream and salt. Continue stirring until smooth.

RECIPE NOTES: Use your standard pancake recipe. I always like to add some cinnamon, and vanilla extract to my pancake mix!