Cooking Our Way

2 pkg. gelatin
1 can (1 lb. 14 oz.) pears
½ c. cold water
1 can (1 lb. 14 oz.) slice pineapple
1 c. boiling water
1 8 oz. jar cherries
¾ c. sugar
4 bananas, peeled
2 c. pineapple juice
1 jar (10 oz.) mandarin oranges
1 can (1 lb. 14 oz.) peeled apricots

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, dissolve in boiling water.  Add the sugar and pineapple juice.  Let stand until cold.  Thoroughly drain the canned fruits.  Make a fruit arrangements in bottom of 2 qt. mold.  Pour some of the gelatin over the fruit and let gel.  Cut remaining fruit into pieces. Fill center with fruit.  Pour remaining gelatin over all.  Place in refrigerator until firm.  Un-mold on platter. Garnish as desired.  Serve with cream cheese dressing.

CREAM CHEESE DRESSING
In a bowl mix one cup mayonnaise, ¼ c. cubed cream cheese., 1 T. grated orange rind, ¼ c. chopped orange sections, 1/3 c. chopped pecans and 2 T. finely minced candied ginger.  Yield 2 cups.