Ambrosia Rice Pie

Introduction

History

The concept of ambrosia has its roots in the American South, where it began as a simple fruit salad made with fresh citrus and coconut. Over time, it evolved into a more elaborate dessert with the addition of ingredients like marshmallows, nuts, and whipped cream. The Ambrosia Rice Pie is a modern take on this traditional dish, incorporating cooked rice and a pie format to create a new twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, ensure that the rice is cooked until tender but not mushy. When preparing the lemon pie filling, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the rice to prevent the rice from becoming too soft. Toasting the coconut will enhance its flavor and add a delightful crunch to the pie. Be gentle when arranging the ladyfingers in the pie pan to maintain their structure.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ambrosia Rice Pie chilled, directly from the refrigerator. It's perfect as a refreshing dessert on a warm day or as a festive treat during the holidays. A dollop of extra whipped cream on top or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add an extra touch of indulgence.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe involve preparing the lemon pie filling, cooking the rice to the perfect texture, and toasting the coconut to bring out its flavor. Assembling the pie requires a gentle touch, especially when arranging the ladyfingers.

Ingredient Substitutions

If ladyfingers are not available, a graham cracker crust can be used as an alternative. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free whipped topping instead of heavy cream.

Make Ahead Tips

This pie can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, arrange the banana and orange slices in a decorative pattern on top of the pie. A sprinkle of toasted coconut adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Ambrosia Rice Pie pairs wonderfully with a light, fruity white wine or a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage. The citrus notes in the dessert complement the acidity in the wine beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This pie should be stored in the refrigerator and is best enjoyed cold. It is not suitable for freezing or reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Ambrosia Rice Pie contains approximately 300-350 calories. This makes it a moderate-calorie dessert option suitable for an occasional treat.

Carbohydrates

This dessert is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the rice, ladyfingers, and fruit content. A single serving provides approximately 45-55 grams of carbohydrates. Those monitoring their carbohydrate intake should consider this when enjoying a slice.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the whipped heavy cream and the coconut. A serving of Ambrosia Rice Pie contains about 10-15 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using a lighter whipped cream alternative can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Proteins in this dessert are relatively low, with each serving providing about 3-5 grams. The proteins come from the dairy in the whipped cream and the small amount present in the rice and ladyfingers.

Vitamins and minerals

Thanks to the mandarin oranges and bananas, this pie offers a good dose of Vitamin C and potassium. The coconut also adds some minerals like manganese and copper. However, this dessert should not be relied upon as a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (from the whipped cream) and gluten (from the ladyfingers). Those with nut allergies should be cautious due to the coconut, although coconut is not a nut in the botanical sense, it can still trigger allergies in some individuals.

Summary

Overall, the Ambrosia Rice Pie is a dessert that offers a balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors with a moderate calorie count. It contains carbohydrates, fats, and a small amount of protein, along with some vitamins and minerals from the fruits used.

Summary

The Ambrosia Rice Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements of traditional ambrosia with the comfort of a rice pudding. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences, making it a wonderful addition to any dessert table.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Ambrosia Rice Pie. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, known throughout the town for her delicious and unique recipes.

One day, while helping her prepare for a family gathering, I stumbled upon a worn and stained recipe card tucked away in an old cookbook. The title caught my eye immediately - Ambrosia Rice Pie. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about it, and she smiled, a twinkle in her eye as she began to recount the story behind the recipe.

She told me that the recipe was passed down from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. It was a recipe that had been cherished and treasured in our family for generations. My grandmother explained that Ambrosia Rice Pie was a special dessert that was reserved for celebrations and holidays, a true labor of love that required patience and skill to perfect.

Eager to learn more, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the Ambrosia Rice Pie. She agreed, and we spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, gathering the ingredients and going through the steps of the recipe. I watched intently as she mixed the creamy rice pudding with the sweet and tangy citrus fruits, creating a beautiful and delicious pie that smelled heavenly as it baked in the oven.

As we waited for the pie to cool, my grandmother shared with me the memories she had of making Ambrosia Rice Pie with her own grandmother. She told me stories of laughter and love, of family gatherings and special occasions where the pie was the star of the show. I could see the twinkle in her eye as she spoke, a nostalgic look that reminded me of the bond we shared in the kitchen.

Finally, the pie was ready, and my grandmother cut a slice for each of us to enjoy. The first bite was pure bliss - the creamy rice pudding was perfectly balanced with the sweet and tangy flavors of the citrus fruits, creating a dessert that was both comforting and refreshing. I savored each bite, relishing in the memories and traditions that were baked into every slice.

From that day on, Ambrosia Rice Pie became a staple in our family gatherings. I would often make it for special occasions and holidays, sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones who were eager to taste the delicious dessert. Each time I made the pie, I would think of my grandmother and the bond we shared in the kitchen, passing down a tradition that had been cherished for generations.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe for Ambrosia Rice Pie, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the memories of that day in the kitchen with my grandmother would always be dear to my heart. The joy I felt when I first stumbled upon the recipe for Ambrosia Rice Pie would always be a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

Categories

| American Desserts | American Recipes | Banana Recipes | Citrus Desserts | Coconut Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Fruit Pie Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Mandarin Orange Recipes | Rice Recipes |

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