Pineapple Cheesecake Dip & Grilled Pineapple Skewers

I hosted a party tonight for Women At Risk, Intl. (WAR). It's a great organization that works to protect women at risk - preventative education, safe houses for rescued women where they can find employment/education/safety, and being the voice for so many who have lost theirs... If you aren't family with the organization, I'd encourage you to take a look.

Part of the employing the women is giving them a trade, on in particular is jewelry making. I hosted a party to put their work on display, and to share their stories. What would a party be without food? I made a adapted a recipe I got from blog world and took the filling out of the pie to make Pineapple Cheesecake Dip (with graham crackers) along with grilled pineapple skewers. Definitely will do this one again.


Pineapple Cheesecake Dip Recipe:
1 can Crushed Pineapple
1 box Vanilla Pudding
1 (8oz) Cream Cheese, room temp
1 t Vanilla
1 (8oz) Whipped Topping

Whip cream cheese with vanilla until smooth. Add pudding mix, pineapple (with juice) and beat until incorporated. Gently fold in whipped topping. Refrigerate. Can pair with graham crackers or vanilla wafers with the dip or pour into a graham cracker crust.

Grilled Pineapple Recipe:
Fresh pineapple is a must for this. Trust me.

Remove exterior of pineapple. IF you don't know this. You do not eat the core of the pineapple. It's hard and doesn't taste very good. Slice around it, cutting it into large wedges. Insert a skewer into the fruit and place on a hot grill. Allow to sit until starting to caramelize (leaving brown lines on the fruit). Turn carefully with tongs. Remove and let cool. Great paired with fish, shellfish, chicken, Asian or Polynesian food.

TOTAL COSTS: $5.26
Crushed Pineapple $.79 (Aldi's) *
Cream Cheese $1 (Aldi's)
Whip Topping $.89 (Aldi's)
Pudding $.49 (Aldi's)
Crackers $$.40 (Aldi's - one sleeve)
Fresh Pineapple $1.69 (Aldi's)

* Can't remember exact cost... it's an estimate.