
This dish of yummy fabulousness is Jan's Famous Jello Salad. Yes, I made it for Thanksgiving. What a hit. It has a base of cherry pie filling and a cream cheese/whipped cream crushed pineapple topping. Gelatin salads are so retro, and really get a bad rap these days. I used to love them with just about any meal, especially on holidays or hot summer days. I am going to copy Jan's story below so you can all enjoy it and get a good laugh. Who knows, if you make it, you might get famous for it too! It may be too late to make it for this Thanksgiving, but it sure would be great as part of your Christmas dinner.
Jan's Story
The Cherry Jello Supreme story is…we live across the country from family so celebrate holidays with our friends’ family here. Everyone is related except us & we love being included in their holidays. There will be 20 of us at our house on Thursday with lots of laughter & teasing.
These are always meals where the host provides the meat & a side dish or two & everyone else brings a side dish, rolls or dessert. Our first year as a guest I took the Jello salad that is from a recipe in a Methodist Church cookbook from South Florida. For some reason I’ve been expected to take/serve that salad at every holiday meal for the last 25 years.
I didn’t think much about it & one year asked the grandmother (90+ years at that time) of the family to bring a salad to our house for Thanksgiving. “WHERE’S THE CHERRY SALAD???” was blurted out at the dinner table. " Really? This strawberry Jello salad your grandma made is pretty tasty with pretzels on the bottom.” Back to my boring salad, then after a couple more years passed I asked our friend to bring the salad. He knew about reaction the last time we diverted from Cherry Jello Supreme & made a beautiful red salad. Again, “WHERE’S THE CHERRY SALAD????” was heard at the table despite a delicious fresh cranberry & Jello salad. He was embarrassed & I felt awful for having asked him to fix the salad.
I’ve given up. I’ll be making 2 pans of Cherry Jello Supreme so there’s plenty for 20 at dinner on Thursday plus enough to send home with leftovers. Here’s the recipe in case anyone wants to give it a try. Be warned that you’re on your own if you have to make it for every holiday for years to come!
Cherry Jello Supreme
‘The Burnt Offering’ cookbook (circa 1972), Christ Church, United Methodist, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Use a 9”x13” pan.
Dissolve 1-3 oz. package of raspberry Jello in 1 Cup of boiling water.
Stir in 1-21 oz. can of cherry pie filling.
Allow to set up in the refrigerator.
Dissolve 1-3 oz. package of lemon Jello in 1 Cup of boiling water.
Beat 1-8 oz. cream cheese & ⅓ Cup mayonnaise until smooth.
Gradually add lemon Jello to the cream cheese & mayonnaise.
Stir in ⅓ Cup crushed pineapple & 1 Cup Cool Whip (or real whipped cream).
Add 1 Cup mini marshmallows.
Pour on top of set up raspberry/cherry layer. Allow to set up in the refrigerator.
Serves 12.