Karen Cheatham'S Hot Cinnamon Fruit
A luscious fruit dessert featuring pineapple, pear, peach, and apricot in a warm cinnamon and brown sugar sauce, topped with pecans and maraschino cherries, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and reserve the juice from the pineapple chunks, pear halves, peach halves, and apricot halves.
- In a saucepan, combine the reserved juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add the melted margarine to the fruit mixture and stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the drained fruits in a serving dish.
- Top with maraschino cherries and pecans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider using fresh or frozen fruit instead of canned. You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar to reduce refined sugar intake. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch. You can also experiment with spices; a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert or brunch option. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a more robust meal, consider serving alongside Chicken Salad With Potato Sticks or as a side with savory dishes like Fancy Oven Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karen Cheatham'S Hot Cinnamon Fruit contains roughly 1551 calories, with 14g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruits such as cherries, mixed berries, or even apples. Just ensure that the fruit is drained well if using canned varieties to maintain the texture of the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing the melted margarine with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure that the maraschino cherries do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
How can I make this dish more festive for holidays?
To add a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of edible glitter. You can also serve it in individual glass cups for a more elegant presentation. This dish can be a charming addition to any holiday dessert table.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).