Pineapple-Glazed Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients

• 5 cups pineapple, large dice (from 1 large pineapple, about 5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 medium garlic cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 36 extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact (about 2 pounds)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 12 (10 inch)  wooden skewers (or metal)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine 2 cups of the pineapple, the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic in a blender and blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds.

2. 2

   Pour into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.

3. 3

   Skim off any foam and reduce heat to low.

4. 4

   Simmer until glaze is thick and syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon and has reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 30 minutes.

5. 5

   Stir in cayenne and set aside to cool slightly, at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a gas or charcoal grill to high (about 400°F) or a grill pan over high heat until very hot.

6. 6

   Skewer 1 shrimp, making sure to pass the skewer through the thick portion and the tail portion, then skewer 1 piece of the remaining pineapple. Repeat, alternating between the two and leaving a space in between, until you have 3 shrimp and 2 pineapple pieces per skewer. Brush skewers on one side with glaze.

7. 7

   Rub the grill with a towel dipped in vegetable oil, place the skewers on the grill glaze side down, and brush the other side of the skewers with more glaze.

8. 8

   Continue brushing and turning every few minutes until the thick portions of the shrimp are white and firm, about 10 to 15 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove from the grill and serve immediately.