Ambrosia

Ambrosia is the name for the food the Greco-Roman gods and goddesses ate. The word implies something so amazing that it is beyond the scope of human imagination. Ambrosia, in addition to the drink nectar, keeps the gods immortal, and can also confer immortality on a human. In our earth-bound world however, the word conjures up that fruit salad made with marshmallows -- you know, the one that everyone has eaten at least once at some picnic or church supper. Akin to jello salad, it's a basic concept with myriad variations. Ours is one Amy's grandmother always made at Easter time, and is known simply as "Marshmallow Salad" at family gatherings. So pretty and delicious, it's a fresh springtime treat, although we're not expecting to be granted immortality anytime soon.

Ingredients:

1 bag pastel mini-marshmallows

1 11-ounce can mandarin oranges

1 10-ounce can pineapple chunks

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

1 7-ounce bag shredded sweetened coconut

1 8-ounce container sour cream

Mix all of the above ingredients gently in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate; serve chilled.