Two 6-ounce packages orange flavored Jello (or four 3-ounce packages)
Four 15-ounce cans mandarin orange segments
1. Drain mandarin oranges, reserving juices. Juices should equal four cups; if amount falls short, add cold water to equal four cups. Set aside orange segments.
2. Pour contents of Jello packages into a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups boiling water and stir until Jello is completely dissolved. Add reserved mandarin juices/cold water. Stir to combine. Pour into a 9x13 glass pan. Chill in refrigerator for about 45 minutes, until partly set.
3. When Jello is slightly thickened, add orange segments, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Return pan to refrigerator until Jello is completely set, several hours or overnight.
Optional Topping
Two envelopes Dream Whip
2 3/4 cup cold milk, divided
Two 4-ounce packages lemon flavored instant pudding mix
Shredded Cheddar cheese*
1. Using an electric mixer and a large bowl, blend contents of Dream Whip envelopes and 1 cup milk on high speed 6 minutes or until topping thickens and forms peaks.
2. Add remaining 1 3/4 cups milk and pudding mixes; beat on low speed until combined. Beat on high speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Spread onto set Jello salad. Chill until ready to serve.
*Top with shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired. (Mom sometimes did this in the early 80s!)
You may substitute __ Cool Whip for Dream Whip and 1 cup milk.
