๐ Awesome Ambrosia for a Crowd ๐
Ambrosia salad is a delightful and colorful fruit-based dessert that’s perfect for serving a crowd. It has a rich history and can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
๐ History:
Ambrosia has its roots in American cuisine and was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It likely got its name from Greek mythology, where “ambrosia” was the food of the gods, known for its divine taste. This heavenly dessert gained widespread popularity in the Southern United States and has become a cherished part of holiday feasts.
๐ฅญ Components:
The traditional Ambrosia salad typically consists of the following components:
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, often sectioned and peeled.
- Sweet fruits such as pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, and sometimes grapes.
- Flaked coconut, which adds a delightful tropical twist.
- Mini marshmallows, which provide sweetness and a fun, chewy texture.
- Sour cream or yogurt to bind the ingredients and add a creamy element.
- Sometimes, chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, are added for extra crunch and flavor.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Awesome Ambrosia for a Crowd:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of mixed fruit (oranges, pineapple, grapes, cherries)
- 1 cup of flaked coconut
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Steps:
- Begin by preparing your fruits. Peel and section the citrus fruits (if using). Drain any excess juice from canned fruits, like pineapple.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed fruit, flaked coconut, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you like it sweeter, you can also drizzle honey over the mixture.
- Stir everything until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Just before serving, garnish with additional cherries or coconut if desired, and give it a final gentle stir.
โฑ๏ธ Preparation Time:
Preparing Awesome Ambrosia for a Crowd typically takes about 20-30 minutes. The bulk of the time is spent on fruit preparation and mixing the ingredients. The refrigeration time of 1-2 hours is included in this estimate.
This delightful dessert is perfect for potlucks, picnics, holiday gatherings, or any occasion when you want to treat a crowd to a taste of heaven in a bowl. Enjoy! ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅฅ๐จ๐
Certainly! Here’s some nutrition and health information for Ambrosia salad:
๐ Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 180-220 calories
- Total Fat: 7-9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-15 mg
- Sodium: 20-30 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 20-25 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Vitamins and Minerals: Ambrosia salad is a good source of vitamin C from the citrus fruits, as well as a small amount of calcium and potassium.
๐ Health Information:
-
Ambrosia salad is a dessert, and while it contains fruit, it’s not a low-calorie option due to the presence of sugar, coconut, and marshmallows. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.
-
The fruit in Ambrosia provides essential vitamins, especially vitamin C, and some dietary fiber. However, the salad can be high in added sugars and saturated fat, particularly if you use sweetened coconut and a lot of marshmallows.
-
You can make a healthier version by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reducing or omitting the marshmallows, and choosing unsweetened coconut. This will lower the calorie and sugar content.
-
Portion control is important, as it’s easy to overindulge in this tasty dessert.
-
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, be mindful of the ingredients used, especially when it comes to nuts, dairy products, and gluten.
While Ambrosia salad can be a delightful treat, it’s essential to enjoy it in moderation, make healthier ingredient choices when possible, and consider any dietary concerns you may have.
