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1
Preheat oven to 425u00b0F Remove all but about 1 inch of green leaves from top of pineapple. Cut pineapple in half lengthwise. With a serrated knife, carefully cut around the perimeter of each half pineapple. With a large serving spoon, carefully scoop out pineapple, separating it from the shell - be sure to keep the shell intact.
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2
Cut the flesh (not the shell) of each half pineapple in half again, lengthwise. Cut out the tough inner core. Cut the pineapple in 1-inch bite-size pieces (about 3 cups). Drain one pineapple shell on paper toweling. Discard the other shell.
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3
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pineapple, lime segments, sugar and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer pineapple mixture, including all butter, to pineapple shell. Set aside.
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4
Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and saute, stirring frequently, until crumbs are toasted and browned. Top pineapple with tasted breadcrumbs.
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5
Place pineapple shell in an appropriately sized baking dish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. (You can prepare this recipe early in the day, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.).
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6
NOTE: In the tropics, fruit is quite often cooked like a vegetable and served as a side dish. If you want an even more peppery kick to this dish, add 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb-butter mixture.
