I probably posted this recipe before, but it's so good. It's almost an American classic... perfect for the 4th of July.

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert from Bob Vivant

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely crushed thin pretzel sticks (10 oz bag)
• 3 T granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 package strawberry Jello (6 0z)
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping*
• 2 1/2 cups sliced strawberries, fresh of frozen

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Combine crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar, and butter. Evenly press the mixture into a 9x13 cake pan to form a crust. Bake 6-8 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely.

In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over Jello. Stir until Jello is melted. Cool to room temperature.

Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and whipped topping until thoroughly combined. Spread over cooled crust and refrigerate.

Add strawberries to cooled Jello and let thicken slightly. Spread over cream cheese layer. Return pan to refrigerator until Jello is firm.

Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

*note: My family always used Cool Whip, but I plan to give mine an upgrade with real whipped cream. I think Aunt Red would approve.

Funny story--I wanted to use real whipped cream. So I got heavy whipping cream on my way back from work. I poured the whipping cream into my mixer bowl and let 'er rip. I forgot that cream turns into butter, eventually. I rode my bike to the store (a first!) and got Cool-Whip.