Orange Ambrosia Mold

One of my favorite things to eat in the summer is a nice Jello salad of some kind. I find it very refreshing when the weather turns hot. I will usually make one to serve as a side dish. When my husband came to me a couple of days and saying that he needed to bring a side dish to a work potluck, I knew that I wanted to make this. I have a few Jello salad recipes but this one by far is my favorite. I think it is because I love the whole orange n' cream combination. This is so light and delicious and simple to make. If you aren't a huge fan of the orange you could substitute your favorite flavor. Sometimes I leave the coconut out because I don't always have that on hand. This is one of those versatile recipes. I hope you enjoy and have a great WEEKEND! I know I will. My husband and I have a rare date night planned and are off to the movies. I am still trying to decide what we should see.

Orange Ambrosia Mold
recipe source Kraft Recipes

1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

  Cold water

2 cups boiling water

1 pkg.  (6 oz.) JELL-O Orange Flavor Gelatin (this is the family sized box not the small one) You could substitute two (3 oz) boxes too.

1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

1 can  (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained

1-1/2 cups Miniature Marshmallows

1/2 cup flaked Coconut

 

DRAIN pineapple, reserving juice. Add enough cold water to juice to measure 1 cup. Add boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in measured liquid. Refrigerate 1-1/4 hours or until slightly thickened.

WHISK in COOL WHIP until well blended. Refrigerate 10 min. or until mixture will mound. Stir in pineapple, oranges, marshmallows and coconut. Spoon into 6-cup mold sprayed with cooking spray. I usually don't put it in a mold, I just spoon it into a big bowl. A mold looks impressive though.

REFRIGERATE 3 hours or until firm. Unmold.

KITCHEN TIPS:

How to Stir COOL WHIP into Gelatin:

Spoon COOL WHIP into slightly thickened gelatin, using the amount of COOL WHIP specified in the recipe.Gently stir the COOL WHIP into the gelatin until all the COOL WHIP has been incorporated and mixture is a uniform pastel color. Use this method in any recipe that calls for folding or gently stirring one ingredient into another.

 

How to Unmold Gelatin:

Dip mold in warm water for about 15 sec. Gently pull gelatin from around edge with moist fingers. Place moistened serving plate on top of mold. Invert mold and plate; holding mold and plate together, shake slightly to loosen. Gently remove mold and center gelatin on plate.