Mama's Ambrosia is a simple mix of Navel oranges and coconut with clean, bright flavors. A Christmas tradition in our family.
This is one of my favorite recipes of all time. Actually, it's hardly a recipe. Just two, maybe three ingredients and a little work is all that's required, but the result? Well, it tastes like Heaven to me.
Mama's Ambrosia contains two simple ingredients resulting in a bright, clean flavor. The bright, slightly acidic bite of orange paired with an almost creamy sweetness from the coconut. Yum. Yum.
I vividly remember this dessert being on our table for Christmas every year when I was a child. And I remember Mama standing at the kitchen counter peeling and peeling and peeling oranges. The kitchen smelled like an orange grove in bloom by the time she was finished.
Over the years, I've found that there are about as many recipes for ambrosia as there are cooks making ambrosia. And over those years I've also never found another ambrosia recipe as simple as this one.
I believe most people think of ambrosia as a combination of oranges, pineapple, coconut, and other fruits, with some sort of sweet dressing such as "cool whip" or sour cream. In our family, we call that fruit salad. It's quite different from our ambrosia and it's delicious too, but for us...this is ambrosia. But let me also make one thing clear - whichever way your Mama makes it...that's the right way :-)
How to Make Mama's Ambrosia
You'll need one large Navel orange for each serving of Ambrosia. These were just beautiful. Bright, blemish-free skin and so juicy and sweet!
Prep the Oranges
Peel your oranges and remove all of the white pith. That pith is bitter and you don't want it in your lovely, sweet ambrosia.
Now, there are several methods of peeling oranges, but the one I learned and still use is the round and round one. I just start at the end opposite the "navel" and peel around using a sawing motion with the knife until I reach the other end. This works for me.
Some people cut a slice off either end, stand the orange on one end and cut in a downward motion removing sections of the peel as they go. Do whatever works best for you.
Cut into Sections
Now, once you have your oranges peeled and all the pith removed, you want to cut the oranges into sections following the lines of the membranes inside the orange. Those sections, when removed from the orange, are called "supremes."
Section the oranges while working over a bowl to catch the juices. Holding the orange firmly in one hand and using a thin, very sharp knife, cut down as close to the membrane as possible going from tip to bottom and all the way through to the core. Repeat on the other side of the orange section. Turn your knife to the side gently to release the "supreme."
This does take a little work and practice, but I think it makes a much nicer presentation. However, if you just can't manage the supremes, then cut the oranges crosswise into about ½" thick slices.
When you have removed all the orange sections, give the core and membranes a gentle squeeze to remove any remaining juice allowing it to fall back into the bowl. Discard the core and membranes.
Sweeten if Needed
Taste the oranges and, only if needed, add a tablespoon or two of sugar. I usually don't need any or just a very minimum amount.
Scatter the shredded coconut over the oranges. Gently stir it together taking care not to break the orange supremes you worked so hard on :-)
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to blend.
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📖 Recipe
Mama's Ambrosia
Ingredients
- 4 large Navel oranges
- Sugar to taste (optional)
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Peel the oranges and remove all the white pith. Working over a bowl to capture the juices, remove the orange sections. Squeeze any remaining juice from the core and membranes into the bowl with the orange sections.
- Taste the oranges and add a small amount (1-2 tblsp.) sugar if needed.
- Add coconut. Toss together.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your health care provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
-- This post was originally published on January 8, 2013.
Ladyglo says
Was looking for an ambrosia recipe and discovered your site. Your ambrosia is much like the Christmas tradition I remember, but I think my mother added crushed pineapple and a cherry on top. I looked at the rest of your site - It’s as if you channeled my mother’s recipe cards! Baked rice pudding, green jello salad, Russian tea, oh my! Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Lana Stuart says
Thanks! Hope you enjoy trying my recipes.
Lee says
I enjoyed reading this and the comments. It was the one I also grew up with. No cherries, no marshmallows. We added a splash of orange juice. And chopped pecans when we ate a bowl. I have never had the fruit salad some poor unfortunate people call ambrosia :). I will try it some day without the cherries and marshmallows and I suspect I will like it, but it will never be ambrosia. So glad to find others who know that! I'd like to mention that a bowl goes well with party mix (our version of chex mix). My mom and I killed our dinner appetites many times with party mix and ambrosia.
Cecelia says
My mother made this ambrosia every Christmas. Sometimes she would add pecans. I've never eaten creamy ambrosia, just doesn't sound good to me. Thanks for bringing back good Christmas memories.
Lana Stuart says
I have eaten them both, but this one is my preference by far! The creamy one I call "fruit salad."
Suzie says
Now this is the Ambrosia my grandma made 60 years ago. No marshmallows! She did add a little of her homemade wine and a dab of whipped cream on top, if you wanted it. Thank you for this recipe