Pomegranate Jello

1 large package cherry jello (regular or sugar free)
1 large pomegranate
2 ripe bananas
Cool Whip (if desired)

Make jello according to directions on box.  Put in fridge until fully set.  Using a wire whisk, break up the jello.  Stir in the remaining ingredients.  Add as much Cool Whip as desired.  I like about 1 cup but you can add more, less or none at all.

From whence it came:  The credit for this most fabulous of all jello recipes goes to either me or my mom.  I can't remember which one of us thought of it first.  We both love, cherish and adore pomegranates.  They are at the top of my "foods I just can't live without" list.  Unfortunately I am forced to live without them about 10 months out of the year because they are only in season around the holidays.  And that, my friends, is just one more reason to love the holidays.

Why it's blogable:  I am not fibbin' when I tell you that every time I make this jello people go nuts for it.  It's just the best jello you will ever eat, and it's super pretty!  You might be thinking that pomegranates are a pain to deal with, and you'd be a little bit right, but they are so worth the trouble.  You can pull them apart in a bowl full of water and avoid the squirts and stains caused when you deal with them.  Me, I like to sit with a big towel on my lap and just go at it.  (Pomegranates do stain, so be careful and don't wear your favorite cashmere sweater when dealing with them.) 

My teen son and I will sit together and devour an entire pomegranate.  He is also a lover of this heavenly red fruit.  And pomegranates are super duper healthy.  They are loaded with fiber and are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing.  Bet you didn't know I was such a smartie about this stuff.  I'm really not, I just Googled it to prove my point.

The best pomegranates are available at Costco.  They can be a bit pricey, but they are worth every cent.  Oh, and another favorite thing I do with them is put them on cold cereal, like granola or Honey Nut Cheerios or my very favorite cereal on the planet, Just Bunches!  It's the best!  I'm drooling just thinking about it.  Buy them!  Eat them!  Make this jello! 

Click here to get the printable:
Pomegranate Jello

Hope you enjoy stirring it up!

Pretzel Jello Salad

First layer:

2 c. crushed pretzels
½ c. melted butter (real butter, people!)

Mix and press into 9x13 pan. Cook at 300 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool.

Second layer:

1 8oz. cool whip
1 c. sugar
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

Beat sugar and softened cream cheese until fluffy. Fold in cream cheese and spread over pretzel layer.

Third layer:

1 large package strawberry or raspberry Jell-o
2 c. boiling water
2 10 oz. packages frozen strawberries or raspberries, with juice

Mix all ingredients then let this gel in the fridge until slightly thickened. Spread over 2nd layer.

Chill until set and enjoy!

From whence it came: This recipe was given to me by a fabulous woman who I just loved named Nora Hurst. Some people come into your life and leave you better than they found you. Nora was such a person. Way back when, before I had my kiddies, I worked for Citizens Bank of Costa Mesa and Nora was my boss. She was a hoot. She was a Texan, through and through, and boy was she spunky. Nora had breast cancer, but never ever did she let it get her down. She passed away about 20 years ago. She was feisty and fun and a fabulous cook. She published a cookbook, written in her very own handwriting. I treasure my copy. Nora treated me like family. Come to think of it, Nora treated most everybody like family. She had true Southern hospitality and charm. Thanks for the recipe, Nora. I think of you every single time I make it!

Why it's blogable: Jello with pretzels? Has somebody lost their ever lovin' mind? Nope, not even close. This recipe is to die for, and I know a bunch people who would tell you I'm right. Even the hubby (remember that I told you he doesn't always like fruity stuff?) yep, even the hubby is crazy about this one. You might think it's weird, but you'd be wrong. Give it a try, I dare ya! You're gonna love it!

Just so ya know: This salad (yes, in our family it's a salad, not a dessert, although it's as good as any dessert you've ever sunk your teeth into)...where was I? Oh yeah, this salad is best made the day it is served. It's still pretty good the next day, but the pretzels get a bit soft and they're better when they're crunchy. They mix with that heavenly butter and come out of the oven with a nutty flavor that'll make you drool! Oh, and make it in a glass pan cause the layers are just as purdy as they are yum-e!

Hope you enjoy stirring it up!