For written instructions, see the original post: Pineapple-Ginger Punch.

Begin with a fresh pineapple. Slice off the ends so you have a flat surface for cutting.

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Use your knife to peel the pineapple thickly.

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Place the peels in a large bowl or stock pot. Use the fruit in another recipe (or eat plain… yum!).

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Next, slice a small piece of fresh ginger root. Add the slices to the pineapple.

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Next, slice two limes. Add these to the pan or bowl as well.

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Lastly, add two whole cloves.

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Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Pour the water over the fruit and spices.

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Cover and leave in the refrigerator 24 hours.

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When ready to serve, strain the mixture. I use a mesh colander and a large bowl for straining. Discard the pineapple peels, lime and ginger slices, and cloves.

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If your first strain doesn’t get rid of all the fruit bits, you may wish to strain again through some cheesecloth. Simply attach the cloth to a bowl using a rubber band, then pour the liquid through the cloth.

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Sweeten your punch to taste using agave nectar, a low-glycemic-index sweetener made from the agave cactus.

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Serve over ice with a garnish of sliced lime. Enjoy!

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Note: this piece first appeared as the August 2006 ClarkWellness.net Recipe of the Month.

This easy, refreshing punch will be a hit at your next party! Ginger, lime, and cloves add an extra kick to the sweet taste of fresh pineapple. This is a great way to use your pineapple peels!

1 ripe pineapple
2 limes, sliced, plus extra for garnish
1-inch piece of ginger root, sliced
3 whole cloves
4 cups water
agave nectar to taste

Thickly peel the pineapple with your knife. Use the flesh for another recipe (or eat alone). Place the peels in a large bowl along with the lime, ginger, and cloves.

Boil the water and pour it over the fruit. Allow to sit for 24 hours.

Strain out the fruit and discard it. Sweeten the strained liquid with agave nectar. Serve over ice with a garnish of sliced lime.

See step-by-step photos of this dish!

Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Note: this piece first appeared in the August 2006 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.

Pineapple is a cooling fruit with a high water content, making it an ideal treat on steamy summer days. The coconut cream recipe is simple and unbelievably delicious (and it can be made in advance). This dish makes an elegant dessert with minimal effort! Agave nectar is a natural, low–glycemic index sweetener available in natural foods stores.

Serves 2 to 4

1 fresh pineapple
1/2 cup coconut milk
agave nectar to taste
shredded coconut and whole mint leaves for garnish

Slice the pineapple into chunks and set aside. In a separate small bowl, combine the coconut milk and agave nectar to taste. Whisk to combine and chill, if desired, before spooning over the pineapple. Top with shredded coconut and whole mint leaves.

Note: this piece first appeared in the August 2006 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.

Sweet, sticky, fresh golden pineapple is one of my favorite hot-weather treats. It’s a cooling fruit, and it has a high water content. Pineapple is also high in cancer-preventing vitamin C, as well as the trace mineral manganese and vitamin B1.

Pineapple contains a special enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain aids protein digestion and is an anti-inflammatory that soothes the digestive tract.

A fresh pineapple can be intimidating to cut, but it’s easier than it looks. Simply slice off the top and bottom of the fruit and thickly peel off the brown or green skin using a sharp knife. Remove the core, slice the remaining flesh, and enjoy!

Dress up your fresh pineapple with some sweetened coconut cream, and use the peels for our recipe of the month!

Note: this piece first appeared in the August 2006 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.

When was the last time you did something really fun? It’s so easy to get caught up in work, responsibilities, emails, family member’s needs, phone calls, papers, chores, errands…. aieee! In our career-oriented culture, adults don’t typically feel free to enjoy fun for its own sake.

This month, I invite you to reconnect with your playful side. What can you do to welcome more “vitamin F” (the FUN vitamin!) into your life? Check out my suggestions below and try to take a break and treat your inner child to some quality time. These ideas will help you increase the fun and joy in your life!

1. Get creative. Remember art class? Break out the construction paper, glue, and glitter, and make yourself a masterpiece, just for the heck of it.

2. Dance, dance, dance. Turn up your favorite CD and give yourself permission to move. Remember, no one is watching. Let loose!

3. Take the day off. Skip work, school, housework, errands, and other chores—and do only things you find fun and exciting. What will you do with your extra day?

4. See an indulgent, funny film. Or read a silly book or magazine. Nothing academic allowed!

5. Eat your favorite childhood food. What was your favorite? Peanut butter? A colorful breakfast cereal? Chocolate chip cookies? While some of our childhood picks aren’t the most health-supportive choices, enjoying them every once in a while can be healing for the spirit. Savor each bite, and enjoy how it takes you back!

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

—George Bernard Shaw