Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Charoset

Description
Most people make charoset for Passover using the same recipe that people around the world have used for thousands of years -- apples, walnuts and wine. This is a Faye Levy that takes fusion cuisine to a whole new level.

Ingredients

 * 1 cup macadamia nuts (or 1/2 cup macadamia nuts and 1/2 cup almonds)
 * 2-3 tablespoons sugar
 * 1 large apple
 * 1 1/2 cups finely diced pineapples, preferably fresh
 * 2-3 tablespoons sweet red wine
 * 1-2 tablespoon chopped candied ginger or 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated * gingerroot or 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
 * 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
 * 1/4 cup finely diced dried papayas (optional)
 * 1 banana

Directions
Grind 1/2 cup macadamia nuts with 2 tablespoons sugar in a food processor until fine. Chop the remaining macadamia nuts or almonds into fine pieces. Peel and core the apple. Grate it into a bowl. Add the pineapple and 2 tablespoons wine. Stir in the ground nut mixture, ginger, cinnamon, papaya and chopped nuts. Peel and finely dice the banana and add to the bowl. Taste and add more sugar or wine if desired.