Strawberry Salad with Pretzel Crust

Last weekend our supper club met and the hostess asked that I bring a red salad to match her Valentine inspired table.  I decided on this strawberry congealed salad.  Not only is it pretty, but it has a pretzel crust which gives it a little salty and crunchy pop.  The middle layer is cream cheese and cool whip.  I made a 9 x 13 size and the eight at dinner devoured it!  It is very important to let each layer cool completely before adding the next one.  Maybe try it for your upcoming "Valentine."

Also, for those of you who knew we were building out our attic, we finally finished it right before the holidays.  Here is a photo of our "work" in progress.  It took us almost a year of hard labor, but we are very happy with the finished product.

Here is the recipe for the strawberry salad:

Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar, plus 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping
• 2 (3-ounce) packages strawberry gelatin dessert mix
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen strawberries
• Whipped topping for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For the crust, mix the pretzels, butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Press this mixture into a 9 by 13-inch pan and bake for 7 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar. Fold in the whipped topping, and spread over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until well chilled.

In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water, and allow to cool slightly. Add the strawberries, and pour over the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until serving time.

To serve, cut slices and serve with a dollop of whipped topping.