Pineapples are a staple at any luau and are very versatile.
Traditionally luaus were large feasts to celebrate milestones, like births, deaths and weddings. Luaus were also held to celebrate new conquests, victories or the launching of a new warrior canoe. Hawaiian luaus today feature hula dancers, fire pits and all of the traditional Hawaiian food. Tropical fruits of the South Pacific are the key to pulling off a great luau.
Pineapples
Pineapples, with their bright yellow fruit and exotic shape, are a great addition to any luau. Slice the pineapple in half; remove the fruit and use as ready-made bowls to serve fruit salad. Slice the fruit into slabs and throw both the fruit and the husk onto the grill for a few minuets. Place the grilled pieces back into the pineapple bowl and serve as a hot dish. If your luau is a birthday celebration, pineapple upside down cake adds tropical flavor
Fruit Smoothies
Set up a stand with an arrangement of sliced fruits on it such as bananas, strawberries, papaya, mango, pineapple and kiwi. Have a large bucket full of ice available. Make sure an adult is operating the blender at all times and allow your party guests to mix and match their own personal Hawaiian smoothies.
Fruit Skewers
Don't serve all fruit cold; many fruits are delicious served hot. Chop pineapples, mangoes and strawberries, slide them onto some wooden skewers and grill for a delicious hands-free snack. Warm chocolate can be drizzled over the skewers or serve as a side dish.
Watermelon Bowls
Like pineapples, watermelons have a great natural shape for holding fruit. Cut the watermelon in half and hollow out the insides by balling out the watermelon. Mix chunks of pineapple, watermelon balls, cantaloupe or honeydew balls, mangoes and strawberries for an eye-popping fruit. Get creative with the watermelon husk and only cut out a quarter of the melon so it looks like a giant mouth when hollowed out. Decorate or carve the melon to make it look like a tiki monster or tropical fish.
Tags: mangoes strawberries, serve fruit