#589 - Cherry Orange Delight

(by Shirley McNevich)

2 1/2 cups boiling water
3 - 4oz. boxes cherry Jell-O
2 3/4 cups cool tap water
1 - 11oz. OR 15oz. Dole mandarin oranges (drained)
4oz. softened Philly cream cheese (1/2 of an 8oz. package)
2 TBSP white sugar
1 - 8oz. thawed Cool Whip

In a bowl add all of the Jell-O mixes--add the boiling water and stir until dissolved (about 2 minutes). Add cool tap water and stir another minute or two. When the mixture is cool to the touch refrigerate it until it starts to gel. Open mandarin oranges--drain. Set a few of the mandarin oranges aside for a topping garnish later. Remove Jell-O mixture from refrigerator and add the mandarin oranges--stir gently and set aside. In a mixer, beat the cream cheese and white sugar--add the Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and beat until mixed. Spoon cream cheese mixture on to the bottom of an 8 x 8 glass or Pyrex baking dish--smooth it out so it's evenly distributed on the bottom of the dish. Pour the Jell-O mixture over the top of the cream cheese and smooth it out. Refrigerate until firm--add the saved mandarin oranges to the top as a garnish. Keep refrigerated.