Classic Twenty-Four Hour Fruit Salad with Marshmallows and Cherries

Description

This cherished recipe, lovingly passed down from my mother, has been a staple in our family for as long as I can remember. Whether served alongside ham or enjoyed as a sweet, standalone dessert, this fruit salad proves its versatility and timeless appeal. With its creamy texture and colorful medley of fruits, it is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. Though it requires an extensive chilling time, the preparation is relatively simple, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard Base: In the top part of a double boiler, combine the eggs, vinegar, and sugar. Place over simmering water and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. This process should take about 15-20 minutes.

2. Incorporate Butter: Once the mixture has thickened, remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in the butter until it is completely melted and well combined with the custard base.

3. Chill the Custard: Transfer the custard mixture into a large glass or plastic bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour.

4. Combine the Fruits and Marshmallows: After the custard has chilled, gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Ensure that all the fruit and marshmallows are evenly distributed throughout the custard.

5. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and return it to the refrigerator. Chill the fruit salad for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.

6. Decorate and Serve: Before serving, garnish the fruit salad with maraschino cherries. This adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the final presentation.

Tips

• Draining Fruit: Ensure that both the mandarin oranges and pineapple are well-drained to prevent excess liquid from diluting the custard.
• Chilling Time: The long chilling time is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor. Plan to make this fruit salad a day in advance of your event.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200.8
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
• Cholesterol: 66.2 mg
• Sodium: 62.1 mg
• Carbohydrates: 36.4 g
• Fiber: 1.9 g
• Sugar: 29.9 g
• Protein: 2.9 g

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or a small get-together.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or a sweet dessert to round off your meal, this Twenty-Four Hour Fruit Salad is sure to delight. Enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy custard and vibrant fruits in every bite!