Orange Pop Jell-O recipe

So here is a once in a while treat I will make for the fam. Before I go much further-I want to put a disclaimer out there. This is not a 'healthy' treat. OK. I said it. That is why I will only make it 2-3 times PER YEAR.  Usually, just around the holidays. But it has been scorching hot here lately, and well-it just sounded good. I am also trying to use up our current food stash.

ALSO:  If you are skiddish about Jell-O don't go any further.  If you won't let a dribble of soda pop enter your home-stop reading now.  Yes-this uses processed ingredients.  I get that.  I get that and I am totally trying to do more 'real' food and less processed-BUT once in a while-one can endure a wee treat...and this recipe counts as just that.

Now that I have that out of the way-here are some very helpful tips.  I have been making this for over 20+ years-so I have found this out the hard way and now know how to avoid plastering my kitchen and myself with sticky orange spray.

**Use a high-sided bowl for mixing this up-otherwise people, you will be wearing it and cleaning it up for a long time. You can transfer to a prettier bowl when done.

**Use a piece of plastic wrap or a towel to half cover the bowl-see reason why above.

**Use a hand mixer if you can-that way you can control it better

**Set cream cheese out for a bit to soften or if you are like me-just pop it into the microwave for about 15-18 seconds on defrost.  Remove it from the wrapper and place on a piece of wax paper first.

**You need to stir it at least 2-3 times to distribute the goodies. It's OK if you forget but do your best not to.  I let it sit about 20 mins after placing it in the fridge. Then give it a stir.  Then again in another 15-20 mins and poss. third time after that.  It just tastes better when it is mixed more thoroughly.

**Leave a spoon in it to remind you to stir it-cover lightly with wax or parchment paper to keep it from getting contaminated.  No one wants that.

**MAKE THE DAY PRIOR to when you want it.  It takes time to set nicely.  I usually make it late in the evening, the day before I want it.  Then it is all done and ready to go for the next day's dinner/event.

There ya go-my tips to help you make a nicer Jell-O. I got this from my mother-in-law way back when.  I do not know where she found it.  So I haven't a clue who gets credit for creating this.

Orange Pop Jell-O

1 large package of Orange Jell-O   +   1 cup of boiling water

Mix this together and let sit about a min.

add in:

8oz package of cream cheese-softened

Using hand mixer, beat the cream cheese in until 

incorporated but not too lumpy.  Don't over beat it tho.

You want some mini-chunks of the cheese.

add in:

1 can of Mandarin Oranges-drained

 (15 oz can)

2 1/2 cups of Orange Pop

(20 oz bottle)**

**you can also try a natural orange pop

found in your organic/natural section

of your supermarket

Cover, place in fridge.

(keep spoon in until done stirring) stir at least 2-3 times. 

ENJOY!!!!