Strawberry Pretzel = Magical

One of our family favorites at holidays is what we like to call Strawberry Pretzel (or Strawberry Pretzel Salad). It may sound strange at first, but it will change your life when you put that first bite in your mouth.  Just as a clarification too- this is not a dessert, but a side dish.  Jello salads are always a side dish.  Now please prepare to have your tastebuds changed forever!

This is from my Aunt Kathy:

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 c melted butter

1 (8 oz. ) pkg cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1 (8 oz. ) cool whip

2 small or one large package strawberry jello

2 cups boiling water

2 (10 oz.) packages frozen strawberries (I get the frozen sliced ones)

1. Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter.  Spread in 9 x 13 inch glass dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  Cool completely.
2. Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and Cool Whip with hand mixer.  
3. Spread over cooled pretzel crust.  It is essential to spread to edges and make a “seal” over the pretzels.  Otherwise the jello will seep down and make the pretzels soggy and yucky.
4. Cool in refrigerator.
5. Mix Jello and boiling water, add frozen strawberries. Cool til room temperature. Pour over cream cheese layer.
6. Chill until jello is firm.
7. To serve, cut into squares.
8. Enjoy!    YUM!