CREOLE COUNTRY AMBROSIA WITH TWIN CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Yields: 10 Servings

Comment:
According to Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food of the gods on Mount Olympus. The word ambrosia means “immortality.” This dessert, which is made with cream cheese and chocolate shavings, is definitely fit for the gods.

Ingredients:
2 (11.5-ounce) packages cream cheese or Creole cream cheese
4 cups heavy whipping cream
1½ tsps nutmeg
1½ tsps cinnamon
1½ cups sugar
2 (8-ounce) cans fruit cocktail, drained
1 cup chopped pecans
2½ cups seedless green grapes
2 cups shredded coconut
2 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
2½ cups miniature marshmallows
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained
2 (8-ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup white chocolate baking squares, shaved
1 cup milk chocolate baking squares, shaved
mint leaves for garnish

Method:
NOTE: It is important to drain fruit very well so that no excess moisture is in the finished dessert. In an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, whipping cream, nutmeg and cinnamon. Whisk on medium-high speed until mixture starts to thicken. Slowly add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside. NOTE: When adding a layer of whipped cream, use a generous amount. In a glass trifle bowl, layer ingredients in the following order: fruit cocktail, whipped cream, pecans, whipped cream, grapes, coconut, oranges, marshmallows, cherries, whipped cream and pineapple. Top with remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with white and milk chocolate shavings. Garnish with mint and maraschino cherries. This recipe can be created in individual servings by layering ingredients in same manner in parfait or pilsner glasses.