Ambrosia Pie II

🥧 Ambrosia Pie II: A Heavenly Delight! 🥧

Ambrosia Pie II is a delectable dessert that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a heavenly realm with its delightful combination of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to create this divine treat!

📜 History:
The history of Ambrosia Pie is intertwined with the concept of “ambrosia” itself. In Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food or drink of the gods, often described as something both delicious and fragrant. Ambrosia desserts have been enjoyed for centuries, and Ambrosia Pie is a modern twist on this concept, popularized in American cuisine during the mid-20th century.

🥄 Components:

• Graham Cracker Crust: The foundation of Ambrosia Pie is a sweet and buttery graham cracker crust, which provides a perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
• Filling: The filling typically consists of a mixture of cream cheese, whipped cream, and sweetened condensed milk. This combination creates a luscious and velvety texture.
• Fruit Medley: Ambrosia is known for its assortment of fruits. Common choices include canned mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, and sometimes coconut flakes.
• Mini Marshmallows: These add a delightful chewy texture and a touch of sweetness to the pie.
• Optional Garnishes: Some people like to garnish their Ambrosia Pie with additional whipped cream, grated coconut, or more maraschino cherries for an extra burst of color and flavor.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Crust: Start by making the graham cracker crust. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix them with melted butter and a bit of sugar. Press this mixture into a pie dish to form the crust. Allow it to set in the refrigerator while you work on the filling.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until well combined. Fold in whipped cream gently until the filling is light and fluffy.
3. Add the Fruits: Carefully fold in the fruit medley and mini marshmallows into the creamy filling. Ensure even distribution for a balanced taste.
4. Assemble: Pour the creamy fruit mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Chill: Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours or until it’s set. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pie to firm up.
6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can garnish the pie with whipped cream, coconut flakes, or extra cherries for a beautiful presentation.

⏰ Preparation Time:

• Prep time: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Chilling time: At least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for optimal flavor melding.

So, there you have it – Ambrosia Pie II, a heavenly dessert that combines the nostalgia of ambrosia salad with the delightful creaminess of pie. It’s perfect for any occasion when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of paradise! 🍰🍒🍍🥥

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Ambrosia Pie II:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
• Total Fat: About 28 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Around 16 grams
• Cholesterol: Approximately 80 mg
• Sodium: Around 270 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 47 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: About 1 gram
  • Sugars: Around 41 grams
• Protein: Approximately 5 grams

Health Information:

1. Calorie Content: Ambrosia Pie is a dessert, so it’s relatively high in calories. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet to manage calorie intake.

2. Total Fat: The pie contains a significant amount of fat, mainly from the cream cheese, whipped cream, and butter in the crust. Consider opting for lighter versions of these ingredients to reduce fat content.

3. Saturated Fat: Saturated fat is present mainly in the cream cheese and whipped cream. High intake of saturated fat can be linked to heart health concerns. Choose low-fat or fat-free alternatives for a healthier option.

4. Cholesterol: The pie has a moderate amount of cholesterol due to the cream cheese. Be mindful of your overall cholesterol intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

5. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which is a positive aspect for those watching their sodium intake.

6. Total Carbohydrates and Sugars: The pie is high in carbohydrates, with a significant portion coming from sugars. The sweetness primarily comes from sweetened condensed milk and fruit. Be cautious if you’re monitoring your sugar intake, especially if you have diabetes.

7. Protein: While there is some protein in the pie, it’s not a significant source. Consider incorporating other protein-rich foods into your meal to balance your nutrient intake.

In summary, Ambrosia Pie II is a delicious but indulgent dessert. While it can be enjoyed on occasion, it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and ingredients if you’re concerned about calories, fat, sugar, or cholesterol intake. Consider modifications to make it a bit healthier, such as using reduced-fat or sugar-free ingredients where possible.