PINEAPPLE BROWN BETTY

My mother used to make a baked dessert she called Apple Brown Betty (I always thought it was her own created recipe since her name was Betty!). It was made from bread cubes, apples and a rich, sweet, buttery drizzle baked into the finished dessert. I was so hungry for it one day and I didn't have any apples, so I decided to make Pineapple Brown Betty! I used canned crushed pineapple instead. The result was much like that rich and fruity dessert I remember from my childhood except it's made with pineapple! It's even better served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. I hope you'll try it soon.

Supplies

1 1/2 quart baking dish

Cup measures

Can opener

Small mixing bowl

Large mixing spoon

Measuring spoons (not shown)

Serrated knife (not shown)

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup butter, melted (plus more to coat inside of baking dish)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup half-and-half

6 slices white bread, cut into cubes

1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in it's own juice, drained

Vanilla Ice Cream of whipped topping, if desired

Step 1: GREASE INSIDE OF DISH

Set oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the inside of a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with butter.

Step 2: MELT BUTTER

Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl.

Step 3: ADD GRANULATED SUGAR

Add the granulated sugar.

Step 4: ADD BROWN SUGAR

Add the brown sugar.

Step 5: ADD THE CINNAMON

Add the cinnamon.

Step 6: ADD THE HALF-AND-HALF

Add the half-and-half.

Step 7: MIX

Mix well until well combined. Mixture will be thick yet pour-able.

Step 8: CUT BREAD

Using a serrated knife, cut bread into cubes.

Step 9: START LAYERING

Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 10: 2ND LAYER

Drain pineapple. Spoon 1/2 of the pineapple evenly over the bread cubes

Step 11: 3RD LAYER

Pour 1/2 of the brown sugar mixture over the pineapple in the casserole.

Step 12: REPEAT LAYERS

Repeat steps adding remaining bread cubes, then pineapple and finishing with the brown sugar mixture.

Step 13: BAKE

Place in 350 degree F. pre-heated oven for 1 hour or until brown sugar layer has melted and the casserole is golden brown.

Step 14: ENJOY!

Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.

Step 15: MAKE IT TROPICAL!

If you want more tropical flavors, try adding a layer of toasted sweetened coconut flakes with the first layer and garnish the top with chopped macadamia nuts. (Hint: to toast coconut - Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil. Spread about 2/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring the coconut every 4-5 minutes to avoid burning.

Step 16: