Orange Dreamsicle Dessert

I was going to call this salad, because that's a Utah thing, but it's definitely more of a dessert. Sweet and luscious and reminds me of an orange creamsicle.

Orange Dreamsicle Dessert

1 4-serving package orange gelatin
1 c. boiling water
2 8-oz cans mandarin oranges
1/2 c. vanilla yogurt
1 8-oz tub whipped topping

Mix gelatin with boiling water, stir until completely dissolved, at least 5 minutes. Drain mandarin oranges, saving the juice! Measure out 3/4 c. juice and add to the gelatin. Stir around. Set it aside until it starts to thicken and set up. This usually takes about 30 minutes in the fridge or 1-2 hours on the counter. Once it starts to thicken, stir in the orange slices, yogurt, and whipped topping until blended.
Refrigerate until set, at least 1-2 hours.

This recipe works great in a jello mold. I love my smaller one from Tupperware with the heart or star in the bottom.

Bavarian Cream Salad

This one is in honor of Utah, where I spent much of my life. The ONLY recipe I can think of that uses lime jello that is actually edible, although I personally prefer the orange creamsicle version (which I'll post next).

Bavarian Cream Salad

1 4-serving package of lime gelatin
4 oz cream cheese (1/2 of a regular package)
1 16-18 oz can pears
1 8-oz tub whipped topping

Drain pears, saving the juice! Bring the juice to a boil and stir in the gelatin. Keep stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely, this should take about 5 minutes. Add cream cheese to the mixture. Beat, with a mixer if needed, until the mixture is creamy and thick. It should look like a disgusting mess of green gelatin and cottage cheese at this point. Smash the pears and add them. Stir it together. It should look like pale green cat vomit. Stir in the whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

You know what? Never mind on this recipe. Anything that looks like cat vomit while you're making it is probably not a good idea. I'll just pass on the green jello....