Jello Salad

 

I grew up in the 60's and Jello was a staple in my house.   Every year, when it was our turn to host Thanksgiving dinner, my mom or I would make a Pineapple Jello Salad—a dish that wasn’t just any ordinary Jello creation. I started making this dish when I was in elementary school and I was proud of my contribution to the dinner.  It was a true showpiece, holding its own beside the turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.

What made this particular salad so striking? It was all in the design and presentation. To create it, you needed a can of pineapple slices (it must be slices), drained of juice, with the rings left inside the can. Then, you'd prepare a small red Jello (it must be red—there’s much debate over which flavor works best) according to package directions. Once slightly cooled, you’d carefully pour it into the can, covering the pineapple rings. After refrigerating until firm, the real challenge began—getting the slices out intact.

Here is my tried-and-true method: Invert the can onto the plate you plan to serve it on. Make sure it is centered on the plate. Using a can opener open the bottom of the can.  Using a sharp knife free the Jello from the side of the can. Slowly lift the can up and hopefully the pineapple slice log stays intake. Place it on its side using the pineapple as your guide.  I must confess my family wasn't particularly fond of this dish but my mom and I both agreed that it made the table look pretty and we loved it. 

You might ask me why on Earth am I reminiscing about Jello Salad?  First, many of you may have never encountered this vintage dish. Second you may ask, why bother making something so boring there are recipes like Strawberry Pretzel Salad which are far superior in both looks and taste?   Click on this Strawberry Pretzel Salad for the Taste of Home Recipe. Lastly you may ask why now, it's not even Thanksgiving? 

I was inspired to write about this salad because I just watched Leanne Morgan who has a hilarious take on Jello salad and when to eat it.  While I could paraphrase what she said, I would rather you hear it from her. The clip just brought back some wonderful memories of gathering with my family and remembering those who are no longer with me. Food, especially something as distinctive as Jello salad, can be such a powerful connection to those memories.

In addition, if I can entice just one person to make the sliced pineapple salad my work here is done.  All kidding aside, I would love to hear if this recipe was part of your childhood, when you ate it and if you used red Jello and if you haven't watched Leanne Morgan yet, add it to your play list.