Nana's Heavenly Hash

Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 16
• 1 cup pecans (toasted and chopped)
• 2 (3 ounce) packages orange gelatin (can be sugar free)
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained ~ save juice)
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 1/4 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated ~ do not omit cheese)
• 1 (8 ounce) can mandarin orange segments (drained ~ save juice)
• 1 cup maraschino cherry (drained and chopped)
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1 (8 ounce) carton cool whip (can be fat free)
• 1/3 cup sour cream (to cut the sweetness) (optional)

Recipe

• 1 stirring constantly, toast pecans in a dry medium-hot iron skillet until fragrant! be careful not to scorch them! set aside to cool, then chop!
• 2 add water to saved fruit juices to make 2 cups; bring to boil and dissolve gelatin.
• 3 add 2 cups cold water and cool until partially set.
• 4 add all ingredients except cool whip.
• 5 when thickened but not completely set, fold sour cream into cool whip, then into jello-fruit mixture until well combined.
• 6 pour into a pretty clear glass bowl, or trifle bowl ~ this makes a large amount!
• 7 chill for several hours before serving.