Grilled Pineapple, Creamy Nut Date Cheese on Cinnamon Crackers

SarasotaCook's Note:

This is quick and easy, and a make ahead wonder appetizer. Simple store bought crackers - now I like "Cinnamon Wheat Thins," but there are many other brands. Last time I went to the store, there were 4 different brands, and Whole Foods and other specialty stores carry even more. A creamy cream cheese and nut date filling and topped with sweet grilled pineapple. I often serve these little bites on a dessert tray.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12-24

Yield: 48.0 Crackers

• 8 slices fresh pineapple (1/4-inch thick, core removed)
• 3 teaspoons orange juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Cheese Spread

• ½ cup hazelnuts (fine chopped)
• 1⁄3; cup pitted dates (fine chopped)
• ¼ cup cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions:

1. Hazelnuts -- I like to toast mine first. In a small saute pan over medium high heat for just 1 minute. Make sure to use a dry pan and just keep an eye of them. Just a minute or two is all it takes. Remove and fine chop.
2. Cheese Spread -- Add the toasted nuts, dates and cream cheese along with the brown sugar and mix well. Make ahead and set to the side.
3. Pineapple -- This again, I make to the side and just keep refrigerated. This should be grilled - Inside grill pan or outside grill, but a broiler will work.
4. Marinade the pineapple slices in the orange juice and brown sugar for 1-2 hours. Then grill on medium high heat. As you grill the pineapple, brush with the marinade until golden brown. They should take around 4-5 minutes at the most per side. Remove and let cool. Cut in bite size pieces which will fit on the cracker. You will usually get 6 or so bites per slice. I like to reheat these right before you top the cracker. Just 30 seconds in the microwave it all it takes.
5. Crackers -- Simply spread the cream cheese on the cinnamon cracker and top with a pineapple slice. Light and easy.