Heavenly Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe

This recipe is a holiday tradition at our house. Many recipes add mini-marshmallows, and you can if you like, but my family prefers just fruit. This ambrosia can be made the night before to allow the flavors to mingle. Add the coconut and pecans just before serving. If added early they will soften and discolor, but still taste good. You can use whatever fruits you desire for this recipe. You need enough citrus and pineapple juice to coat the apple and pear pieces. I like mine juicy.

Heavenly Ambrosia Recipe

6 naval oranges
2 tangarines
1 red grapefruit
1 15 ounce can of pineapple tidbits in juice
4 apples
2 pears
1 bunch seedless grapes
1 jar maraschino cherries
1 cup coconut (optional)
1 cup pecan halves (optional)
2 Tablespoons sugar (optional- taste before adding)

1. Remove peel, seeds, and membranes from oranges and grapefruit. Work over a large non-metal bowl so that juice is not lost. Cut pulp into bite size pieces.
2. Add pineapple and its juice. Core and dice apples and pears. Peel can be left on or off according to your preference.
3. Mix apples and pears into the juice of the oranges to coat. This prevents browning.
4. Halve grapes and add.
5. Add cherries and enough of the liquid to add a little color to the juices.
6. Mix all together and taste. If the juices are tart, add enough sugar just to sweeten slightly. It should not be very sweet.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve. At serving time, mix in the coconut and/or pecans, or sprinkle on top of each serving for garnish.

Cool Summer Drinks

These cool summer drinks are non-alcoholic, suitable for adults or children.

Almost Margaritas

1 6 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 6 oz. can frozen limeade concentrate

Ice
Gingerale
Lime juice
Coarse salt

Combine lemonade and limeade concentrate in blender container. Fill container with ice and add just enough gingerale to process. Blend until smooth.
Dip margarita glass rims in lime juice then in coarse salt. Fill glass 2/3 full with lemon-lime slush and add more gingerale to fill.

Pineapple Mint Julep

For each serving:
Fresh sprigs of mint
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup pineapple juice
½ cup ginger ale

Wash the mint leaves and place in a glass. Crush mint with a spoon. Add sugar and lemon juice. Let stand for a few minutes.
Add pineapple juice, pour over ice in a tall glass. Add ginger ale.
Garnish with a sprig of mint if desired. Enjoy!

Fruit Milk Shakes

In a blender container, combine 2 cups of cold milk and ½ cup of frozen fruit. Blend until smooth. Try any frozen fruit: strawberries, peaches… A little sugar or honey can be added, depending on your taste and the sweetness of the fruit. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.