Grandma's Orange Cloud Jello

Growing up, and, even still, jello is a common feature at family parties. As Mom says, the kids love it. Jello is famously a "kid food." These days, Mom is usually talking about her grandkids, but I think most of my siblings still eat jello when Mom makes it.

This jello salad recipe comes from Grandma and features the addition of actual fruit. I do remember Grandma making this jello, often for a summertime family party. But in my memory, Grandma's version was fluffier. Nevertheless, this jello was tasty, especially with the small pieces of mandarin orange mixed in.

Grandma's Orange Cloud Jello 

• 1 package orange jello
• 1 can mandarin orange segments
• 1 container cool whip

Drain the mandarin orange, reserving the juice to be part of the cold liquid in the jello. Prepare the jello according to the package direction with the reserved juice for part of the cold water. Allow the jello to cool for about an hour in the refrigerator so that it is cool, but not set. Use a form to mash up the orange segments. Mix the orange and cool whip into the jello. Refrigerate for at least a few hours or until needed. Enjoy!