Going back farther than the 1930s, gelatin was very popular, especially in the Midwest. In those 'olden' days, many Sunday dinners included a concoction known as golden glow salad...which was orange gelatin infused with grated carrot, canned pineapple and served with mayonnaise.
While my mother did not make that particular salad, I do remember her drinking glasses of Knox Gelatine-laced liquids with the hope that her fingernails and hair would become stronger and less brittle...I doubt that there was any real evidence supporting the nail-growing theory and with nothing to show after months of effort, my mother finally gave up drinking those strange cocktails...
As things progressed in the marketing world, sugar-free gelatin became a staple for dieters. Add a little fruit or vegetables and that gelatin side dish moves over from the junk food column to the real-food column.
Gelatin desserts or salads are also very economical and, consequently, are often featured at potluck dinners. I usually love those donated salads...partly because I hardly ever think to make them for myself and the flavor combinations others put together are a treat for me.
Today's recipe is one that is familiar, easy to make and is tasty...It is a wonder that I had not thought to make it in the past 15 years!
Lime - Pineapple Salad
1 small pkg. lime-flavored gelatin
1 C boiling water
1 (15 1/4 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
½ C Hellmann’s mayo
½ C small-curd cottage cheese
½ C chopped celery
½ C chopped pecans
Dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a large mixing bowl. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. Chill until partially set. Fold in remaining ingredients and pour into a square glass pan (8x8). Cover with plastic wrap and chill. Slice and serve on lettuce.
Marian said: Your recipe sounds good, Diane. I think my mother used to make something similar. One gelatin memory I have is as follows: In 1990 I was in the hospital for nine days with a bleeding ulcer and had just come home. Sister Joan Gale brought me a dish of plain red Jello--nothing else was in it. That tasted so good to me that I ate it for every meal, including breakfast, until it was gone. It just goes to show that embellishments are not necessary, but I may try the salad.
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