Marsha’s Cheery Cherry Salad

Serves 6 to 8

15-oz. can tart cherries, drained and juice reserved

8-1/2 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained and juice reserved

1/2 c. sugar

2 3-oz. pkgs. cherry gelatin mix

1-1/2 c. ginger ale

Optional: 1/2 c. chopped pecans

Garnish: whipped topping

Pour reserved cherry and pineapple juices into a 2-cup measuring cup. Add enough water to equal 1-3/4 cups. Pour into a small saucepan and add sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat; stir in gelatin mix. Remove from heat; add fruit and ginger ale. Pour into a large serving bowl; chill in refrigerator until thickened, but not completely set. Stir in pecans, if desired. Return to refrigerator until fully set. Serve with whipped topping.

Set out some fun toppers for your after-dinner coffee...vanilla powder, whipped topping, mini chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Yum!