Tropical Ambrosia

August is an odd time of year. Early in the month, it seems summer is at its best! The days are hot and steamy, and many people are loving those long awaited vacations. But as the month rolls on, there is a somber reality that the season will soon end, and the working machine will crank on monotonously until the holidays!

For me, August means the start up of another school year, and the celebration of a birthday. As the month closes out, I find myself folding up my beach towels with finality! They don't get placed on the lounge chairs at the pool. Instead, they are neatly stored in the linen closet, with the hope of occasionally getting some air! Imagine, how just weeks earlier, I was lounging on a low, reclining chair, having one of the best beach days of my life!

The sky was solid blue, and the ocean was emerald and turquoise! I was at my favorite spot near the little resort with the tiki huts and swimming pool. If you watched closely, you could spot someone sneaking through the open gate for a quick, chlorinated swim! However, that day, the ocean beckoned.

As I waded through the shallow end, I could see the sand floor rippling below my toes. The water was crystal clear, and the schools of fish were abundant. Some were bright silver bait fish. Others were green with pointy faces. I planted my feet in the sand, and became a human reef as they tickled my legs!

It took me a long time to swim out deep, but eventually I submerged my entire body in the cool salt water. Each time I surfaced, I could feel the heat on my shoulders, so I just kept diving under!

When I faced inland, I noticed countless little dots of umbrellas splashing color all along the beach. The Mediterranean Villas hugged the shore. There was a sing-song mix of English, Spanish, and French in the air. For a moment, I was in the Riviera!

There wasn't too much action on the weather-beaten fishing pier. People were more obsessed with rubbing on sunscreen and tropical oil. They were going home with a deep tan! The birds gripped the coconut palms, making them dance in the distance. The scene was truly ambrosial!

Hours later, I remember folding my velvety peach and orange beach towel, as I pondered whether to drive back to suburbia, or hang out longer to have a tropical salad at the beach cafe!

Ahhhh, August! Now I look down at that same bright orange towel, still soft and lovely. I quietly sigh as the linen closet door lets out a biting screech as it opens. I plop the towel on the stack, and close it into darkness.

The school year has begun. My 48th birthday is upon me. But all is not bleak. I can still close my eyes and smile, as I remember that tropical salad day!

You, too, can have tropical salad...any time of the year! We give you the recipe for Ambrosia! For those who want the healthy version, we also provide a recipe for Jello Carrot Pineapple Salad!

Again, we offer these to you with love!

From Mama Melisi and Me

Ambrosia: (Tasty Hawaiian Salad)

Ingredients:

2 small cans of mandarin oranges - 8 oz drained
1 small jar maraschino cherries - 8 oz drained
1 small can pineapple chunks - 8 to 10 oz drained
1 small package miniature marshmallows
1/2 of a small can shredded coconut
1/2 pint sour cream
5 tablespoons (or more if needed) of orange or pineapple juice

Preparation:

Beat the sour cream with the juice of your choice
Add all of the other ingredients
Serve in a lovely serving bowl
Chill thoroughly before serving

Healthy Jello Carrot Pineapple Salad:

Ingredients:

1 cup boiling water
1 package (4 servings) orange flavored jello (can be sugar free)
1/2 cup cold water
Dash of salt
1 can (8 1/4 ounce size) crushed pineapple in light syrup, not drained
1 cup shredded carrot

Pour boiling water on gelatin in a bowl
Stir until the gelatin is dissolved
Stir in the cold water, salt and pineapple
Refrigerate for 20-40 minutes (consistency should be like unbeaten egg whites)
Stir in the shredded carrot
Pour into a 3 cup mold
Refrigerate for about 3 hours until firm
Carefully remove mold onto a lovely serving dish