When I was much younger my mother used to make a dessert simply by using Milnot and Jello. She would whip the this up, pour it into a glass dish then place it in the freezer (to speed up the setting time as us kids were impatient lot). What fond memories I have of that dessert! Jell-o sold a package mix called "1-2-3", that was similar, in the 1980s but I haven't seen it on store shelves for a few years now. The trick is in this dessert recipe is to plan timing as you don't want to the gelatin to harden but yet be cold as warm gelatin has the Milnot loose some of its stiffness.
Now Milnot was easily found in stores way back when but nowadays many people look at you blankly when mentioning it. My daughters, when making this recipe, use whipped topping (i.e. Cool-Whip) in place of Milnot; not quite the same but close enough to satisfy them.
List of Ingredients:
- 1 3-ounce box of flavored gelatin mix (we prefered using lime or strawberry for this dessert)
- 1 can Milnot (some people today substitute whipped topping)
- (optional)1 can crushed pineapple; drained
- (optional)1/4 cup chopped pecans
Preparation or Cooking Instructions:
Chill Milnot, still in the can, at least 1 hour before starting this recipe. Prepare gelatin according to directions (use a couple of ice cubes method as you want this to be cool and not warm) and set in fridge to start setting. Whip Milnot until it forms stiff peaks, and yes - this takes a little while, then set aside. Take gelatin out of fridge, it should not be set but cold. Whip the gelatin just to get it frothy then, while still mixing, gradually add in the Milnot. If using crushed pineapple and/or nuts, gradually mix those in last. Spread the mixture into glass container and chill for at least 1 hour in refridgerator before serving. For optimal visual effect, pour into a clear glass rectangle dish or clear individual dessert dishes as this gradually dessert forms 3 layers as its sets, the top one being the fluffiest tasting.
Garnishments: (optional)
Slice and serve on a leaf of lettuce.
Servings: 6 to 8.
Family Rating: 5 out 5 wanted seconds.
© Carol A. Wells