new thanksgiving favorite

We spend Thanksgiving as often with friends as we do with family and one of the best parts are the new foods we encounter from other people's family traditions. I could eat nothing but this and stuffing for T-day and be perfectly happy.

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple with juice
1/4 cup of sugar
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
3 tbsp cherry juice
3 tbsp maraschino cherries, finely chopped (or substitute 1 pkg frozen strawberries)
1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1 - 2 cups of cool whip

Heat the pineapple with sugar and stir to dissolve the sugar. Meanwhile, soften gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water. Add the gelatin to the pineapple mixture and let mixture cool. Mash cream cheese with a fork, then add the cherries and cherry juice. Mix with the pineapple and chill until slightly thickened. Defrost the Cool Whip and blend into the pineapple-cheese mixture. Pour into mold or glass bowl and chill until set.

Try not to eat all of it in one sitting.