Susan's Kitchen

Strawberry Pretzel Squares

 

 
2 cups finely crushed pretzels
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup butter, melted
12 oz cream cheese, softened (1 8 ox pkg & 1/2 of another)
2 TB milk
1 cup thawed Cool Whip
2 cups boiling water
1 large pkg strawberry jello
1  1/2 cups cold water
1 qt (4 cups) strawberries, sliced (or can use 1 - 2  10oz pkgs of frozen)
 
Preheat oven to 350. Mix pretzels, 1/4 cup sugar & butter & press firmly into bottom of 13 x 9"
pan.  Bake 10 minutes.  Cool
Beat cream cheese, remaining 1/4 cup sugar & milk until blended.  Gently stir in Cool Whip.  Spread over crust.  Refrigerate.
Meanwhile, stir boiling water into jello in large bowl till completely dissolved.  Stir in cold water.  Refrigerate 1 hour or until thickened.  Stir in strawberries.  Spoon over cream cheese layer.  Refrigerate 3 hrs or until firm.  Cut into squares. 
 
*This is ALWAYS a big hit when served.  Wonderful as a dessert or a salad.