Pineapple

Pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical twist to this classic mojito. Make sure to choose a ripe one: It should be very fragrant, with no soft spots or bruises. Or use fresh precut pineapple.

"Pineapple is the surprise guest star in this crunchy, juicy tropical slaw. Serve it with roasted chicken or fish." —Sue Li, recipe developer, BA Test Kitchen

"Pineapple is great for marinades; it lends amazing sweet-and-sour flavor and contains enzymes that help tenderize the meat." —Alison Roman, assistant food editor

This pineapple-mint vodka recipe is pretty much the definition of refreshing.

This recipe came to us courtesy of master mixologist Junior Merino, who's based in New York.

This high-end take on the bake-sale favorite ditches dated maraschino cherries, swaps canned pineapple for fresh, and adds cardamom and bourbon to bring out the flavor of the caramel.

Classic baked Alaska is given a tropical twist thanks to coconut, pineapple, passion fruit, and a rum-soaked sorbet.

This beautiful, classical Southern ambrosia salad is the holiday fruit salad of your dreams.

You may have to make this agave-glazed pork belly with grilled pineapple recipe the day before you serve, but the crispy succulent result is well worth the effort.