Looking for a pretty centerpiece for your Easter table? How about a pineapple? The exotic-looking fruit is a symbol of friendship and hospitality. American colonists often used a whole pineapple as a centerpiece at dinner parties.

It’s easy to carve a pineapple into a cross for an Easter centerpiece. Cutting the pineapple is a job for adults but children can help arrange the garnish.

What you need:

a large pineapple (taller is better)

sharp knife

cutting board

strawberries

What to do:

1. Cut off top and bottom of pineapple. Slice off outer shell from top to bottom.

2. Using the knife, mark a 1 to 1-1/2 inch thick stripe across top center of pineapple.

3. Using the marks as a guide, slice straight down to within 1-1/2 inches of bottom. Then slice inward, leaving enough pineapple intact at bottom to form a base for the cross. Repeat on other side.

4. Cut small, squarish chunk from each side of top.

5. Slice out rectangle from each side at bottom to finish cross.

6. Cut rest of pineapple into chunks.

7. Place cross on plate and garnish with pineapple chunks or strawberries.

Have you noticed strawberries resemble hearts? For a special touch, place a strawberry at the foot of the cross as a symbol of giving our hearts to Jesus. The pineapple and strawberry provide a great opening to talk about the Easter story with children or dinner guests. Easter blessings to you and your family!

Beth Bence Reinke, author and registered dietitian