Frog Eyed Salad

This recipe comes from my good friend, Julie.  ~Shelly

Why is it called Frog Eyed Salad?

Unlike traditional Ambrosia, which is a combination of marshmallows, whip cream, and canned fruit, Frog Eyed Salad is technically a pasta salad.  The central ingredient is acini di pepe pasta, a style of pasta similar in shape and size to couscous (the Italian name translates to "seeds of pepper".)  Acini di pepe also explains the odd, potentially off-putting, name of this dish because the cooked pasta looks like frog eyes in the final product.  The pasta also creates a texture similar to rice pudding or tapioca pudding.

INGREDIENTS
16 oz. Acini di pepe pasta

PINEAPPLE CUSTARD
2 1/2 cups pineapple juice - use the drained juice from the pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1 large egg, beaten
1 large egg yolk, beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice

FRUIT AND FLUFF
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup marshmallow creme
20 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained (juice is used earlier in recipe)
20 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained (juice is used earlier in recipe)
15 oz. mandarin oranges, drained
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

GARNISHES
additional whipped cream
Additional mandarin slices
Maraschino cherries

INSTRUCTIONS

COOK AND COOL PASTA
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water.  Then drain pasta and rinse with cold water.  Place in a large bowl to cool.

MAKE AND COOL PINEAPPLE CUSTARD.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat whisk together pineapple juice, sugar, flour, egg, egg yolk, and salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking every minute.  Continue to cook until it has thickened, about another 1-2 minutes  Transfer the mixture to a bowl, stir in lemon juice, and allow to cool.

Once the pasta and custard have cooled, add the custard to the pasta and stir to combine.  Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  Overnight is better.

ADD FRUIT AND FLUFF
Beat heavy cream until peaks form.  Add marshmallow cream and beat on medium speed until incorporated, about 30 seconds.

GARNISH AND SERVE
Garnish with piped whip cream, mandarin slices, and maraschino cherries.(all optional).

Serve or chill till ready to serve.