Orange Pineapple Layered Dessert

 

1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 8-serving size package or 2 4-serving size packages orange-flavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 11-ounce can mandarin orange segments, drained (optional)
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup (one stick) butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup sugar, divided
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1 8-ounce tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

Stir boiling water into gelatin in large bowl at least two minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water, pineapple with juice and mandarine oranges. Refrigerate 1 1/4 hours or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites). Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter and 1/4 cup of the sugar in 13-by-9 inch pan. Press firmly onto bottom of pan. Refrigerate until ready to fill.

Beat cream cheese, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and milk in large bowl until smooth. Gently stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust. Spoon gelatin over cream cheese layer.

Refrigerate three hours or until firm. Serve with remaining whipped topping. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Serves 16.

Helpful hint: Soften cream cheese in microwave on high 15 to 20 seconds.

- Recipe courtesy of Kraft Foods