Some of my favourite tea towels

This wonderful pineapple inspired tea towel was decorated by my clever great nieces Matilda and Xanthe, I think it might be far too special to use drying dishes!!! Anne

You just can't go wrong with a pineapple motif!

When a Pineapple Princess has a 70th birthday!

An occasion like this calls for a Pineapple Party and Ann’s family arranged a classic – dinner and décor with a pineapple theme. A wonderful happy event enjoyed by adults and children alike.

https://www.saveur.com/raw-oysters-with-grille-pineapple-and-thai-basil-recipe/

Raw Oysters with Grilled Pineapple and Thai Basil

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. plus ⅛ tsp. Asian fish sauce, divided; 1⁄2 tsp. fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for squeezing; 1 tbsp. minced shallot, divided; 1 slice of fresh pineapple, ¼ inch thick (4½ oz.), skin cut away; 1⁄4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 dozen medium, sweet oysters; Finely chopped fresh Thai basil, or substitute regular basil or cilantro;  Very finely minced Thai chile, for garnish

In a medium bowl, add the sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of the shallot; whisk well until the mixture is thick and syrupy.

Preheat a grill pan or grill to high heat. Brush both sides of the pineapple slice with some of the sugar mixture. Transfer to the preheated grill and let cook until well-charred, about 3 minutes per side.

Remove the pineapple slice to a cutting board and finely dice it. Transfer to a small bowl and add the olive oil; stir well.

Shuck the oysters and, using an oyster knife, detach the meat from the bottom of the shell, reserving the liquid.

Place the oysters on a bed of coarse sea salt or crushed ice to stabilize them. Add at least 2 small cubes of pineapple to each, or more to taste. Top each oyster with a generous pinch of Thai basil leaves, a few pieces of shallot, and a sliver of Thai chile.

Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Pineapple Protein Balls and some seriously cool pinapalia

This recipe was adapted from several different online sources:

Soak 15 pitted dates in boiling water until softened. Drain away water, puree in a blender, scoop into a medium mixing bowl.

To the dates add 2 cups almond meal, 2 tblspn cocoa powder and 3/4 cup finely chopped crystallised pineapple. Mix well, roll into balls. Toss the balls in 1/2 cup desiccated coconut and refrigerate. 

Makes about 12 protein balls.

My new favourite T towel, thanks Alex

Ann's pretty new Op Shop doiley 

A lovely vase/candle holder found by Ann

Ann's friend Brad wearing what could only be his very favourite shirt!

Delicious looking pineapples grown by Robyn's Dad, 

George, at Redland Bay, Queensland

Fantastic plastic pineapple!

Pete Ward's 1997 "Fantastic Plastic: The kitsch collector's guide" featured these terrific fruit tumblers. I'm sure a 2021 edition would include this wonderful plastic pineapple drinking cup. Thanks Donna and Brad!!! Anne

Pinapalia rules!!

                         Thanks to everyone who sent us recipes, photos, inspiration and objects relating to pineapples during 2020!

Jasmine sent this great badge from South Korea!

And Wendy brought this gorgeous brooch back from Darwin!

Carol found this iron on transfer in Spotlight!

Donna's Dad grew this little beauty in Port Macquarie!

Donna gifted this beautifully scented soap ... 

and luxurious beach towel!

Ingrid enjoyed a delicious pineapple drink in Jindabyne!

Ella spotted this pineapple planter in Jindabyne too!

Ann's friend Steve looks very dashing in the tropical fashion statement he wore to celebrate her birthday last month!

Sarah saw these pineapple offerings and decorations in Singapore!

And she found these Christmas decorations and earrings in Canberra!

Friends of my cousin Jenny enjoyed some of Hawaii's sweet pineapples! They look delicious! What gorgeous presentation!

Robyn had a delightful afternoon tea served with milk in a cute pineapple topped jar!

Les bought this lovely pineapple, honey and cassis scented hand lotion!

            I recently met Diane and Audrey of the Leura evening branch of the CWA who were selling some tasty pineapple marmalade at their stall.

Les actually ate these herrings in pineapple curry! 

These don't look too exciting but tasted great!

These were sweet.

And Colleen decorated with some stunning festive lights for 2020's celebrations!

Pineapples everywhere !!!!

Thanks to our ever vigilant pineapple spotting families and friends for these little beauties !

This delicious (especially when cold) pineapple tea and sweet smelling soap 

were found in Bangkok by Ella.

Greg found this pineapple stair post while exploring the historic houses of England.

And Greg spotted these festive shop window decorations in Prague, Czechoslovakia. 

And Greg also found this tropical drinks menu in a bar in Prague.

Lorraine and Mark noticed this very expressive pineapple plant pot in the Gili Islands, I'm not sure if it was welcoming them or . . .

 Rob spotted this pink pineapple in Singapore.

And Bronnagh photographed this one in her Poppy George's garden 

in Redland Bay, Queensland.

Thanks to Marisa, Isami and Sue for giving our lounge a tropical touch!!!

 Lucky Ann was given these cutters and chocolates by her niece Sofie.

Alice and Clinton brought this stunning fabric work home from Kenya.

Les enjoyed this tropical (ie it has pineapple!) seafood pizza 

at the Z bar, Collaroy Plateau, Sydney.

Anna spotted this gem on Instagram !

Jessica and James enjoyed this beautifully presented dish at the 

Hum Restaurant in Saigon, Vietnam.

Leonie found this inspiring artwork while exploring Nambucca Heads, NSW.

Jane found this dubious example of New York interior design 

while perusing a Vogue Living magazine (date upspecified!!!)

Jane also found these two, terribly hard to resist, items of furniture while surfing online! 

Alex shouted Jess this delicious breakfast in Canberra 

before a visit to the dentist, I'm sure it was worth it!!! 

It's a combo of French toast with coconut custard, pineapple butter, 

pandan gel and toasted coconut.

My cousin Robert found these on the shelves at Costco, 

note to self . . . when visiting Costco next . . .

 Donna splashed out with a chocolate fountain at Sydney Airport, 

hmmm looks like strawberries and marshmallows are the main favourite!

I bought an eco friendly Pina Colada scented solid shampoo bar 

at The Magpie in Dungog, can't wait to try it.

 And this pineapple vendor was waiting for me at an Op Shop in Singleton NSW

It's already on my bucket list - to visit Sarah in Cornwell 

- but now that she's sent me this photo, I'm halfway to buying my ticket!!! Anne