Poundcake with Grilled Pineapple and Peppered Vanilla Syrup

This is another one of those dessert recipes that is almost effortless, yet looks and tastes like you spent a lot of time on it. Grilling the pineapple rings brings out a lovely caramelized sweetness, which lays perfectly on the pound cake base. The syrup, spiced with ginger and peppercorns and finished off with fresh lime juice, is a lovely topper.

Use your own favorite pound cake recipe, or cheat and use a purchased cake. The syrup and pineapple rings can be made ahead of time, so it can be served at a moment's notice.



Poundcake with Grilled Pineapple and Peppered Vanilla Syrup
1 purchased pound cake, cut into ½” slices
1 pineapple, cored and cut into ½” rings
Cooking spray
1 ½ c water
3 tbsp sugar
4 strips of lemon peel
3 strips of lime peel
3 whole coriander seeds
¼ tsp black peppercorns
2 slices fresh ginger
1 whole clove
½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Slice pound cake and place on individual plates. Spray grill pan or grill rack with cooking spray. Over high heat, grill pineapple slices, 1-2 minutes per side. Place on top of poundcake.
For syrup, combine water to vanilla bean in a small saucepan. Over high heat, bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer syrup for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Strain out solids. Serve over pineapple and pound cake.