Suggested by Allison - Pineapple and Spinach Salad

Here it is. It's from Julee Rosso's Fresh Start, although I've messed with it a bit and I don't bother measuring past the dressing stage. Really, who does for salads? She throws in some parsley and lime zest and doesn't have the coconut.


Pineapple and Spinach Salad

1/2 tsp. finely minced ginger
1/4 cup brown sugar
pinch cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp water
a bit of grated coconut
2 cups pineapple chunks (I just buy a good-sized can of them)
a good handful of coarsely chopped pecans
most of a bag of spinach (I measure soooo closely, lol!)
small sweet onion, thickly sliced

In a saucepan, combine ginger, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and water over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Add the pineapple and cook 15 minutes or so, until the sauce thickens and the pineapple's coated with the syrup. Stir in the coconut. Throw it in a salad bowl over the spinach and onion, toss well, serve immediately.