Ambrosia Pie

Holiday fruit is blended with cream cheese and coconut, and frozen for dessert.

Yield: one 9" pie

Ingredients

• 1  (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup
• 1  (8 1/4-ounce) can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup
• 1  (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1  (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 1/2  cups  frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
• 3/4  cup  flaked coconut, toasted
• 1  (9-ounce) graham cracker crust (extra serving size)
• Garnishes: maraschino cherries, pecan halves, additional toasted flaked coconut

Preparation

Drain oranges and pineapple, reserving 2 tablespoons pineapple syrup. Gently press oranges and pineapple between paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Beat cream cheese at medium-high speed of an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add reserved pineapple syrup and milk, beating until smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Gently fold in orange-pineapple mixture and 3/4 cup coconut. Spoon filling into crust. Cover; freeze until firm.

Let pie stand at room temperature 20 minutes before serving. Dollop remaining 1 cup whipped topping on top of pie. Garnish, if desired.