Refreshing Almond Float with Mandarin Oranges Dessert

Almond Float: A Refreshing Summer Dessert

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (Refrigeration time)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Gelatin Desserts
Cuisine: Dessert
Calories: 234.1 per serving

This Almond Float is a delicate and refreshing dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Often referred to as a “palate cleanser” between courses, this dessert is both light and satisfying, making it ideal for hot days or casual gatherings. The gelatin-based texture is complemented by the sweetness of mandarin oranges and the subtle almond flavor, creating a delightful and aromatic treat that everyone will enjoy.

The recipe makes a generous amount of dessert, but you can easily adjust the quantities if you prefer a smaller batch. It’s also versatile — feel free to add different fruits like lychees, pineapple, or sliced bananas to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

Almond Float Preparation:

1. Combine Gelatin and Sugar
   In a medium saucepan, combine 1 packet of gelatin and 6 tablespoons of sugar. Stir gently to mix the dry ingredients.

2. Add Milk and Water
   Stir in 2/3 cup of evaporated milk and 1 1/4 cups of water. Mix well until everything is combined.

3. Heat the Mixture
   Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously. Allow the mixture to heat gently, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Be careful not to boil the mixture.

4. Cool the Mixture
   Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.

5. Add Almond Essence
   Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond essence. This will infuse the dessert with a lovely almond fragrance and flavor.

6. Pour into Pan
   Pour the cooled gelatin mixture into a 9-inch square pan. Make sure the pan is evenly coated and level to ensure even setting.

7. Refrigerate
   Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the gelatin to set for approximately 4 hours, or until firm. The refrigeration time is the key to achieving the perfect texture for this dessert.

8. Cut into Diamonds
   Once the gelatin has fully set, use a sharp knife to cut it into diamond-shaped pieces. These will serve as the base for the dessert.

Sauce Preparation:

1. Dissolve Sugar in Warm Water
   In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 cup of warm water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.

2. Add Almond Essence
   Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond essence to the sugar-water mixture for a rich, aromatic flavor.

3. Add Mandarins
   Gently fold in 4 mandarin oranges (or the equivalent of 1 can of mandarins, drained) along with their juice. Be careful not to break up the mandarins too much to preserve their texture.

4. Mix Gently
   Stir the mixture gently, making sure the mandarins are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

5. Serve Cold
   When ready to serve, spoon the mandarin and almond sauce over the diamond-shaped almond float pieces. Serve the dessert chilled for a refreshing treat.

Tips & Variations:

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar in both the gelatin mixture and the sauce. Start by adding an extra tablespoon of sugar at a time and taste as you go.
• Add other fruits: While mandarin oranges are the traditional fruit used in this dessert, feel free to add sliced bananas, pineapple chunks, or even lychees for a tropical twist.
• Make it more creamy: If you enjoy a richer dessert, you can substitute half of the evaporated milk with heavy cream to give the float a creamier texture.

Conclusion:

This Almond Float is a wonderful way to finish off a meal or enjoy as a light, summery treat on its own. With its subtle almond flavor, refreshing fruit, and gelatinous texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Perfect for picnics, casual dinners, or any time you want something cool and satisfying.