Easy Ambrosia Recipe_____

This easy ambrosia recipe can be served as a salad course or as a fruit dessert.  In the South, ambrosia is very popular on holiday menus.  And don't miss Ambrosia for a Crowd.

To prepare an ambrosia salad, decrease amounts of coconut and confectioners sugar and use a variety of fruits. 

This ambrosia recipe is best served the same day but can be refrigerated up to 1 day.  Keep well covered.

Easy Ambrosia Recipe
Serves 8

6 navel oranges, peeled and cut into segments (see video below)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup confectioners sugar, or to taste
1 small bottle maraschino cherries, drained well (optional)

In a serving dish or parfait glasses, arrange orange segments and coconut in layers, sprinkling each layer with confectioners sugar.   When ready to serve, gently toss in the cherries. 

Variations:

 * Add 1 14-15.5-ounce drained can of pineapple chunks to the oranges

 * Use sliced strawberries in place of the cherries

 * Add 1 sliced  banana just before service

 * For Dessert Whipped Topping: Add 2 tablespoons grated orange rind to 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream.  Whip cream until soft peaks form.  Gently stir in 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar.  Top ambrosia dessert with orange cream just before service