Rum-Soaked Fried Pineapple Rings (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the fried rings

01 - 8 pineapple rings
02 - 1 cup dark rum
03 - 1 cup coconut rum
04 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 (10-oz.) bag sweetened coconut
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup coconut milk
08 - Vegetable oil, for frying

→ For the dipping sauce

09 - 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar

# Instructions:

01 - Place pineapple rings in a medium bowl. Cover with both rums and let soak for at least 1 hour. After soaking, drain and reserve the rum. Pat the pineapple rings dry with paper towels.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, whisk eggs and coconut milk together in the second, and put the sweetened coconut in the third bowl.
03 - Working with one pineapple ring at a time, first dip it in flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with coconut, pressing gently to ensure the coconut sticks to the surface.
04 - In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, add enough vegetable oil to come 1-inch up the sides. Heat the oil to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the coated pineapple rings until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
05 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth with no lumps. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved rum and mix well. Add more rum as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
06 - Arrange the fried pineapple rings on a serving plate and serve warm with the cream cheese dipping sauce on the side.

# Notes:

01 - This dessert transforms the classic piña colada cocktail into a delicious fried treat.
02 - For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with pineapple juice and a splash of coconut extract.
03 - The pineapple rings can be soaked up to 24 hours in advance for a stronger flavor.