STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD

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Fast, easy jello recipes (that are delicious to boot) are always a big hit at pot lucks and family gatherings, and this three-layer salad is no exception. You will have people thinking you slaved in the kitchen for hours. This dish doubles as dessert with no one the wiser. Strawberry pretzel salad is best served the next day, so all the ingredients can mesh together properly. Because it is so delicious, you may wish to make a double batch. Rest assured, there will be no leftovers.

This is a very basic recipe. You can play with it in a myriad of ways. For instance, you can add food flavorings to the middle layer that will complement the top layer. If you are shooting for a tropical theme, add coconut flavoring to the filling, and add pineapples to the top level. Top it off with Jell-O's tropical fusion flavor and you are going home with empty pans.

Chocolate frozen whipped topping can be substituted and used in conjunction with strawberry or raspberry topping. Nuts can be added to the base.

Same goes for the top level. Lemon or lime jello with mandarin orange slices is a light, delicious combination. Or you could try using two different flavors of jello, and make the fruit flavor completely unrelated, yet compatible. Maybe one lemon and one lime j jello, and add a mixture of red and white grapes. Let your imagination be your guide. If you are trying something really unique, a test recipe would probably be a good idea.

What You Need:

Base:

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons white sugar

Filling:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

Topping:

• 2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry gelatin
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries

How To Make It:

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Combine first three ingredients and press into a 13 x 9 pan (alternately, you may wish to use two cake rounds).

Bake for eight minutes and set aside to cool. Keep a very close eye on the base. Others who have tried this recipe state that under-cooking is not a problem, but overcooking renders the base to a consistency best compared to cement. If your oven is not calibrated, you will be better off setting it a few degrees below the recommended temperature.

As it cools, combine the next three ingredients. Spread over base when it is cool to the touch.

Dissolve the jello into boiling water, and add the strawberries. Pour over the other layers and place in refrigerator overnight. Serves 12.

Note: Overnight is a recommendation. This dish needs at least an hour in the refrigerator before it is ready to be served.

Jello is a blessing to frugal chefs. The price makes it easy to serve in some form with every meal. It is tasty, and incredibly versatile. For more fast and easy, no bake recipes, browse our no bake cheesecake collection. JelloRecipes.net - We Don't Make the Products We Just Make Great Desserts with Them! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Szalay_Kudra