SAUTéED PINEAPPLE WITH RUM SAUCE

Sautéed Pineapple with Rum Sauce image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (3- to 4-pound) pineapple (labeled "extra sweet"), trimmed, peeled, and quartered lengthwise
5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup walnuts (2 ounces), coarsely chopped
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons dark rum

Steps:

Cut off and discard core from pineapple quarters, then cut each quarter lengthwise into 5 pieces.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until just melted, then add walnuts and cook, stirring, until a shade darker, about 2 minutes. Transfer walnuts with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and wipe skillet clean.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté one third of pineapple, turning over occasionally, until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Sauté remaining pineapple in 2 batches in same manner, using 1 tablespoon butter per batch and transferring to platter.
While last batch of pineapple cooks, heat sugar, rum, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Serve pineapple with sauce spooned on top and sprinkled with walnuts.