Ambrosia
In this recipe, Ambrosia is made of fresh oranges and pineapple, coconut, toasted pecans, maraschino cherries and miniature marshmallows get wrapped together in sweet whipped cream.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 5 large navel oranges, peeled and sectioned (see Notes)
- 1 whole fresh, pineapple, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup halved maraschino cherries, well drained
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (see Notes)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- There should be a total of approximately 6 cups of prepared citrus fruit. Place a strainer over a medium-sized bowl. Pour the fruit into the strainer and allow the juice to drain off for 20-30 minutes.
- Place the drained oranges and pineapple in a large bowl. Add the coconut, maraschino cherries and pecans. Toss gently.
- In a mixing bowl, with a hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream just until it barely starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream will stay peaked when the beaters are lifted. (Don't overwhip - we are not making butter.)
- Add the sour cream and whisk to combine. Fold the cream mixture together with the fruit mixture. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Can be refrigerated over night. Stire gently before serving.
Notes
For the oranges: Peel the oranges with a knife, cutting away the pith just until the orange pulp is exposed. Section the peeled oranges using a sharp knife to separate each section away from the membranous sides.
For the Pineapple: I use a handy pineapple coring tool to make quick work of slicing up a pineapple. Mine is plastic and I've been using it for 20 years. I now need a new one and am thinking about getting this one.
To Toast Pecans: Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Place chopped pecans in a small baking pan. Bake for about 5 minutes (maybe less) until just toasty and fragrant. Watch carefully because they can burn easily. Tip: Roast extra and refrigerate or freeze them so that you will have them on hand the next time you need them.
Whipping the Cream: Here is a great resource for learning about how to whip cream to soft peaks and hard peaks. Best Recipe Box - Whipped Cream Stages.