Chicha De Piña

Spiced pineapple drink

Serves 8-10 people

Chicha de piña is a spiced pineapple drink made by simmering the pineapple skins and core with spices and hard brown sugar.  Seven out of seven members of the Downing family recommend this simple drink.

Ingredients

• Assorted spices: cinnamon sticks, allspice peppers, cloves, anise
• The skins and core of 1 pineapple, well washed
• ¾ lb of panela (unrefined sugar) or brown sugar, whole or in chunks – more or less to taste
• 10-12 cups of water

Instructions

First.  Combine all of the ingredients in large saucepan or pot

Then.  Bring to a boil and simmer partially covered for at about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Enjoy.  You can drink it immediately or let it rest refrigerated to allow the spices and pineapple flavor to concentrate.

With love, The Downings