Cinnamon Apple Jello Salad

This is a family favorite since sometime in the 1970’s. We always had it at home for Thanksgiving and Christmas since my mom got it from a former neighbor and coworker who shared it with her. It’s not especially healthy or frugal, but it is definitely a holiday favorite and it’s not too ‘over-the-top’ with $ or time. I hope you enjoy it!

• 1/4 cup Cinnamon imperials (RedHots candies)
• 1 cup water
• 1 small box Cherry gelatin (reg or s/f)
• 1 cup grated apple mixed with 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Boil the candies in the water, stirring to melt completely. Pour the boiling water over jello, stirring to dissolve completely. Cool to consistency of egg whites. (If you don’t catch it before it completely gels, which I usually don’t, you can zap it in the microwave for 20 seconds or so.)
Using an electric mixer, whip the gelatin to a froth. Add apples with lemon juice, marshmallows and topping, mixing to blend well. Refrigerate until serving time.
(You can add 1 cup of chopped pecans according to my original recipe, but we never do…keeps it cheaper, the texture more uniform, and avoids an allergy problem with some folks… try it if you like them though!)