Recipe: Pineapple cake

Indulge in the goodness of pineapple with this scrumptious cake

Method

For the sponge:

•  Beat the eggs thoroughly until they become stiff. Add sugar to the egg liquid, beating continuously.

•  Fold in the flour and pour the mixture into a greased baking pan.

•  Bake the mixture until it becomes golden brown on the sides.

•  Cut the cake in two halves and set it aside to cool.

For the cream:

•  Beat cream and add sugar to it until it forms peaks.

•  Pour in a few tablespoons of pineapple juice from the can of pineapple chunks. Place the mixture in the fridge to cool.

•  Apply the remaining pineapple juice onto the two halves of the cake.

•  Apply cream on one half and place chunks of pineapple on it. Cover the sponge completely.

•  Coat entire cake with cream and decorate it with chunks of pineapple.

•  Allow the cake to sit in the fridge for about an hour or so before serving.

Canned vs Fresh Pineapples

If you prefer to buy canned pineapples instead of fresh ones, you are not alone. After all, why go through the struggle of peeling and cutting a fresh pineapple when we have an easier solution, right? Wrong!

Unfortunately, canned pineapples have a fewer amount of nutrients and minerals as compared to fresh ones. Even though it is safe to consume canned food from time to time, a lot of the nutrients are lost in the canning process. In the case of pineapples, the canned variety offers almost 60% less Vitamin C as raw pineapple. The latter is also rich in an anti-inflammatory enzyme called Bromelain which is destroyed during packaging. Not to mention, canned pineapple is packed with preservatives to maintain its freshness but the chemicals found in them can prove detrimental in the long run.

All in all, one cup of canned pineapple provides 28% of the daily value nutrients and minerals required for a healthy body. Hence, it may be safe to consume sometimes but if you love fruits and crave pineapple regularly, fresh and juicy is the way to go!

Skinny Pineapple Smoothie

Are you craving for a tall glass of a fruit smoothie but too conscious about cheating on your diet? Try this skinny pineapple smoothie, packed with the goodness of sweet and tangy pineapple.



Ingredients:

•  Frozen pineapple 1 cup

•  Banana (medium sized)1/2

•  Crushed ice 1/2 cup

•  Vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup

•  Fat free milk 1^1/2 cups

Method

•  Add the pineapple, banana, yogurt and crushed ice in a blender and mix them with 1 cup of milk. Blend it until mixture becomes a smooth liquid.

•  Pour about 1/4 cup of milk at a time until your desired consistency is reached.

•  Serve chilled!

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, February 22^nd, 2015.