MEMORIES:
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In classic mythology, ambrosia was the food of the gods, one that supposedly preserved their immortality. And there are certainly no lack of theories as to what food they were actually referring to. Some say that it was a porridge consisting of honey, fruit, olive oil, cheese and barley. Others think it may have been something as simple as an herb, perhaps parsley, sage, rosemary or thyme (Thanks, Simon and Garfunkle). Then there are those who insist that it was a drink, fragrant and luxurious. The possibility even exists that all of these guesses are wrong and it was simply honey that they were talking about. Regardless, it was obviously something to revere - an elixir of life.
Flash forward to modern times and somewhere along the way, this veritable fountain of youth morphed into a yummy salad. Recipes began appearing in cookbooks just prior to the turn of the century that describe a mixture of fruits such as orange and pineapple, mixed with coconut and other ingredients. Variations might include dates, nuts, grapes, bananas or even cherries. A few years later, and the salad really came into its own, with the inclusion of Jell-O, whipped cream and marshmallows - often miniature, and occasionally of the colored variety. A pretty mold might even be utilized to further enhance its visual appeal (or scrumptious factor, if you prefer.)
Today, ambrosia is a staple of many a pot-luck dinner, family get-together, or any other setting where one brings a dish to share. And as many attendees have discovered, if you don’t get to the ambrosia early, you’re likely to go without. Just look for the empty bowl with a little Jell-O still adhering to the edge and a stray marshmallow or two. That’s where the ambrosia was and maybe you won’t drag your feet next year.
Ah, ambrosia, though you have certain changed over time, bearing little resemblance to the savory fountain of youth mentioned by the likes of Homer and Sappho, your stature remains secure. Time and time again, you have proven that you are, indeed, one of the coveted foods of the gods. Cheese and barley porridge - eat your heart out.
