Pineapple Paste/Jam

Chinese New Year (CNY) is around the corner! It's time to feast, wine and dine with family and friends. For us, ladies, it's the perfect reason season to buy new clothes and shoes again! Some of you guys might have already started to stock up on CNY goodies!

Amongst the wide selection of CNY goodies, things like Pineapple Tarts, Bak Kwa and Hay Bee Hiam rolls are the quintessential of the celebration. To me, they are indispensable, not having them is like not celebrating CNY at all.

I've tried my hands at making Pineapple Tarts last year before I started this blog, hence I didn't have the opportunity to do a post on it. Of course  I can't give it a miss this year! Let's start by making the Pineapple Paste/Jam.

Pineapple Paste/Jam (yield approximately 250-300g)
(recipe from my MiL's big book of handwritten recipes)

    2        Medium Pineapples, skinned
 150g     Rock Sugar (adjust sweetness accordingly)
    1        Cinnamon Stick, about 1" long
 
1. Cut pineapples into strips before grating them. Leave pulp in sieve to drip dry for about 20mins.

2. Add remaining ingredients to pineapple pulp and cook over LOW heat until the mixture has significantly dried up. Takes about 40-50 mins depending on how "dry" you want your paste to be.

3. When done, store in a sterilized container and let cool completely before processing it into Pineapple Tarts.

While some bakers prefer to purchase store bought paste/jam, they tend to be slightly sweeter. Perhaps so that they can last longer on the shelves? I'm not sure. However, there are a handful of good store bought paste/jam around. They are slightly pricier but a smarter option for busy individuals who don't have the time to make their own. Personally, if I'm not too lazy, home made paste/jam is definitely my choice.

It is not difficult to make Pineapple Paste/Jam at home. The only drawback is the tiresome and gruelling process of slow-frying the grated pineapple. It usually takes about 40-50 mins for the above portion, standing by the stove, moving the paste (almost) constantly. Very time consuming but the end result is highly satisfying! When you see your family and friends enjoying the Pineapple Tarts which you've made with such love, you will understand that all that sweat and pain is worth it!

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