Ambrosia Squares ๐๐ฐ
Ambrosia Squares are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed by individuals with diabetes. They offer a sweet treat without causing significant spikes in blood sugar levels. Here’s a comprehensive overview, complete with emojis, of what Ambrosia Squares are all about:
๐ง What are Ambrosia Squares?
Ambrosia Squares are a diabetic-friendly dessert made from a combination of low-sugar or sugar-free ingredients. These squares are typically light, creamy, and bursting with fruity flavors, making them a popular choice for those looking for a guilt-free dessert option.
๐ History:
The history of Ambrosia Squares is a bit elusive, but it likely evolved from the classic Ambrosia Salad, a fruit salad popular in the southern United States. Ambrosia Salad typically includes fruits like oranges, pineapple, and coconut, often mixed with marshmallows and a creamy dressing. Ambrosia Squares take inspiration from this salad and transform it into a convenient, square-shaped dessert.
๐ฝ๏ธ Components:
The key components of Ambrosia Squares typically include:
- Sugar-free gelatin: This serves as the base for the dessert and provides the structure.
- Low-fat cream cheese: Adds creaminess without excessive fat.
- Light or sugar-free whipped topping: Enhances the texture and flavor.
- Canned fruit cocktail or a combination of fruits: Provides the fruity goodness.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds a tropical touch.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Some recipes include nuts for extra crunch.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare Ambrosia Squares:
Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Ambrosia Squares:
- Dissolve sugar-free gelatin in boiling water as per package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, beat low-fat cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the dissolved gelatin to the cream cheese and mix well.
- Gently fold in the sugar-free whipped topping.
- Stir in the canned fruit cocktail and shredded coconut.
- If desired, add chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Pour the mixture into a square or rectangular dish and refrigerate until set (usually a few hours or overnight).
- Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled.
โฒ๏ธ Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Ambrosia Squares may vary, but it typically takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix them together. The most time-consuming part is waiting for the dessert to set in the refrigerator, which can take several hours or overnight.
So, there you have it, a delicious and diabetes-friendly dessert option – Ambrosia Squares! Enjoy your guilt-free treat! ๐ฐ๐๐
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Ambrosia Squares:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 100-150 kcal
- Total Fat: 4-6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-15 mg
- Sodium: 60-90 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 2-3 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Health Information:
- Low in Sugar: Ambrosia Squares are typically made with sugar-free gelatin and contain little to no added sugars, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake.
- Moderate in Calories: These squares are relatively low in calories, making them a reasonable dessert option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
- Low in Saturated Fat: With low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping, Ambrosia Squares are generally low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Some Fiber: The addition of fruit cocktail provides a small amount of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion.
- Portion Control: As with any dessert, it’s essential to practice portion control, as overconsumption can still affect blood sugar levels and overall calorie intake.
Remember that specific nutrition facts may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Always check product labels and adjust the recipe accordingly to meet your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy Ambrosia Squares in moderation as part of a balanced diet. ๐๐ด
