The Supermom Chef

This is another one of those recipes that floods me with memories of my sweet grandmother, Mae Mae. When thinking of Mae Mae and the many things she always made at Christmas time, you can’t leave this recipe out. I remember boxes of fruit being at her house, but I don’t remember where they came from (whether she purchased them or they were gifts). She’d always use those boxes to make tons of this Ambrosia at Christmas. The funny thing is that I never ate Ambrosia growing up, but I absolutely love it now. Just sweet enough to finish off a meal but not too sweet, if that makes sense.

Ambrosia is one of those recipes that can be adapted to suit your own tastes easily. If you don’t like one of the ingredients, leave it out or substitute something that you do like. It’s totally up to you! I, for one, can’t stand coconut (think back…you’ve never seen me post a recipe with coconut in it, have you?) but it doesn’t bother me at all in Ambrosia. Strangely enough, I actually like Ambrosia with the addition of the coconut.

I was lucky enough to have my mom make me some this year and send it to me via my brother but trust me when I say that this is one of those anyone-can-make-it type recipes. It’s also a great addition to the Christmas spread for those that don’t like the idea of a congealed salad on their plate. Just put small fruit bowls on the table and people can fill it to the brim with this and eat it alongside the other yummy dishes that day!

Mae Mae’s Christmas Ambrosia

8 oranges, peeled and segmented

1 large can crushed pineapple

1 bag of frozen coconut, optional

2-3 apples, peeled and cubed

1 large can pineapple juice

sugar, to taste

Mix togehter apples, orange, crushed pineapple, coconut, and half of the pineapple juice. Stir all together to combine well. Add sugar, to taste. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.