While she currently resides in Naperville, Illinois, ELIZABETH “LIB” BOWMAN HAUSER was born and raised in Liberty, North Carolina. She called her grandmother Grandma Mac. ALIVIE ELIZABETH BRYAN MCPHERSON was born and raised on a dairy farm in Burlington, North Carolina, and later lived in Liberty until she passed away in 1943. Lib says her mom and grandma made this salad for church socials at the Pleasant Union Methodist Church in Liberty.
1 (3 ounce) box lemon gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup 7-Up or other lemon-lime soda
1 Pour the gelatin into a small bowl. Pour the boiling water into the bowl and dissolve the gelatin. Allow it to cool slightly, approximately 3 minutes.
2 In a medium glass bowl, cream the cream cheese and then pour in the gelatin. Beat until smooth.
3 Stir in the pineapple, sugar, vanilla, and pecans and mix well. Slowly pour in the 7-Up and stir gently.
4 Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Stir the mixture a couple of times during that period.
MAKES 8 SERVINGS.