๐จ Almond Float Asian Dessert ๐จ
Almond Float is a delightful and refreshing Asian dessert that has gained popularity in various Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong cuisines. It is known for its delicate almond flavor, smooth and silky texture, and its visually appealing appearance. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
๐ History:
Almond Float’s exact origin is a bit unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Chinese cuisine. It has been enjoyed for centuries, and its popularity has spread to other Asian countries over time. Today, it is a beloved dessert in many Chinese and Asian restaurants worldwide.
๐ง Components:
Almond Float is made up of a few key components:
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Almond Jelly: This is the star of the dessert. Almond extract or almond milk is used to infuse a subtle almond flavor into a clear, gelatinous jelly. It’s often sweetened with sugar or condensed milk.
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Fruit Cocktail: Almond Float is typically served with a generous portion of fruit cocktail, which adds a fruity and refreshing contrast to the creamy almond jelly. Common fruits used include lychee, peaches, and cherries.
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Syrup: A sweet syrup, often made from the syrup of the canned fruit cocktail or a sugar syrup, is drizzled over the dessert to enhance the sweetness and presentation.
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Ice Cream (optional): Some variations include a scoop of ice cream, usually vanilla, on top of the almond jelly for an extra indulgent touch.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation Steps:
Making Almond Float is relatively simple, and it doesn’t require any baking. Here are the steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of almond jelly powder (readily available in Asian grocery stores)
- Water
- Sugar (to taste)
- Canned fruit cocktail
- Fruit syrup or sugar syrup
- Ice cream (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Almond Jelly:
- Dissolve the almond jelly powder in hot water according to the package instructions.
- Add sugar to taste, typically 2-3 tablespoons.
- Stir until the mixture is completely dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or serving dishes and let it cool. Once cooled, refrigerate until it sets into a jelly-like texture (usually a few hours or overnight).
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Prepare the Fruit Topping:
- Drain the canned fruit cocktail and set it aside.
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Assemble the Dessert:
- When the almond jelly is set, cut it into cubes or scoop it into serving bowls.
- Add a generous portion of fruit cocktail on top of the almond jelly.
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Drizzle with Syrup:
- Drizzle fruit syrup or sugar syrup over the fruit and almond jelly.
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Optional: Add Ice Cream:
- If you like, top the dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
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Serve:
- Almond Float is typically served chilled, making it a perfect dessert for a hot day.
โฐ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Almond Float varies depending on how quickly the almond jelly sets in the refrigerator. Typically, it takes a few hours to overnight for the jelly to fully set. The actual preparation and assembly time is relatively quick, usually around 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy your homemade Almond Float, a delightful Asian dessert that combines the goodness of almond flavor with the freshness of fruit! ๐ง๐๐จ
Certainly! Here’s some nutrition facts and health information for Almond Float:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 150-200 calories
- Total Fat: 1-2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 10-20 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 30-35 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
Health Information:
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Low in Fat: Almond Float is relatively low in fat, making it a lighter dessert option compared to many other desserts.
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Low in Saturated Fat: It is virtually free of saturated fat, which is known for its association with heart health issues.
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Low in Cholesterol: Almond Float typically contains no cholesterol, which is great for heart health.
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Moderate Sugar Content: While it is a sweet dessert, it’s important to be mindful of its sugar content. The sugar content can be adjusted to taste during preparation.
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No Dietary Fiber: Almond Float is not a significant source of dietary fiber, so it may not contribute much to your daily fiber intake.
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Protein: It provides a small amount of protein, but it’s not a significant protein source.
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Cooling and Refreshing: Almond Float is often served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert option, especially on hot days.
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Contains Almond Flavor: Almond extract or almond milk is used in the recipe, which imparts a mild almond flavor. Almonds are a good source of healthy fats and vitamin E.
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Fruit Topping: The fruit cocktail topping can add some vitamins and minerals, depending on the fruits used. Lychee, for example, is a good source of vitamin C.
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Portion Control: While Almond Float can be a tasty treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar content.
As with any dessert, enjoying Almond Float as an occasional treat within a balanced diet is a good approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s a good idea to adjust the recipe or portion size accordingly.