Sweet memories really can be created from sweet treats. Some of our treats are seasonal, such as southern Ambrosia Fruit Salad. During Easter-time I recall my grandmother making the classic dish with fruit and fresh whipped cream. After years of cuisine study, there is a much tastier technique. Try my French-style ambrosia. It just may become your family’s favorite sweet memory treat.
Kelly’s Kaleidoscope Ambrosia
To 1 cup of sour cream add ¼ cup of Grand Marnier (orange liqueur). Mix in ¼ cup of caster sugar. With a mixer, whip 1 cup of fresh whipping cream with 4 teaspoons of sugar added. Fold the whipping cream into the orange liqueur flavored sour cream. [Another option, is to divide the whipping cream and add a lovely food color selection so that when the whipping cream is folded into the sour cream, a swirl of color is infused into the Ambrosia creating a kaleidoscope spectrum.] In a large bowl, begin with fresh bite-size fruit such as diced pear, diced peaches, diced apples, Mandarin orange segments, strawberry pieces, seedless grapes, blueberries, shredded coconut, etc. (Pat the fruit dry to limit excess moisture.) Fold the Ambrosia cloud mixture into the fruit. Pecan pieces can be added, just prior to serving. The best presentation is in a trifle bowl. Line the clear bowl with slices of whole oranges, showing through the glass. Fill the bowl with the lovely Ambrosia and serve cold. A myriad of colorful fruit can be added to decorate the top; but, at the very least, a thin orange slice twist with mint leaves will enhance the appeal. Springtime never tasted so sweet! © Kelly McBride Loft