Fruit salad with ice cream

 

This is a yummy dessert which uses lot of ingredients all of which are simple yet tasty and makes the whole dish very colorful and presentable. We had some guests today and since it was a huge number I couldn't bring myself to make any dessert . So found out this simple one which is easy , just need to assemble some precooked items and also some ready made items. When put together there would not be any who would not like it . It can be made much more simpler by just fruits and ice cream or with just fruits and custard or even by using a canned fruit cocktail.
But here I have added all three ingredients and mixed real fresh cut fruits to treat my guests.

Serves 10

INGREDIENTS: 

• Custard powder- 4 heaped tablespoons (You can use the instant vanilla pudding mix available in walmart . But I used the Brown and Paulson which is available in Indian store)
• Whole milk - 32oz (4 cups)
• Sugar-1 cup
• Fruits (your choice and availability) -I used apples, pineapple, banana, oranges, mango , strawberry as all the different taste and colors mixed together gives a good flavor and adds color to the dish. 
• Ice cream - vanilla, butter pecan and strawberry are ideal choices . But again it depends on your preference too. It should be a light flavor that does not overpower the fruits . 
• Mixed nuts to garnish on top- You can use pecans, walnuts , almond shavings, pista ,cashews and raisins. 
• Caramel sauce , Hershey's syrup or honey drizzled on top also intensifies the flavor of the dessert. 

How to Prepare: 

Step1: Chop the fruits to small sizes . Keep it in different airtight containers. Prepare a sugar syrup and soak the apples and banana separately in them till used to prevent browning. 

Step 2: Prepare custard: 

Remove 1/2 cup milk from the 4 cups measured . To the 1/2 cup add 4 heaped tablespoons custard powder and stir well to dissolve. 

Boil the remaining milk till it reaches the bubbling stage

Add the custard mix to it. Stir continuously to prevent lump formation and also to avoid burning at the bottom. When it starts becoming thick remove from flame. Allow it to cool and then chill it till use. 

Step 3: Arrange the fruits at the bottom of the serving bowl. Pour some custard over the fruits and spread it evenly. Place an icecream scoop in it. Garnish with nuts or sauces and serve .