Edna's Orange Jell-O

My mom has been making this pineapple-orange Jell-O for as long as I can remember. She got the recipe from Edna, her best friend's (Debbie) mom. My mom started making this as a teenager and she loved it so much, that she continued making it after she had me and my brothers. So I have grown up on this strange dessert and I can now say it is one of my all-time favorite desserts!

Let me explain something to all you Jell-O haters. I am not a Jell-O fan. I don't buy Jell-O in the market, I don't pick up Jell-O when I'm at a buffet (mmmmmm buffet), and I don't ever make plain old Jell-O. I make THIS Jell-O. It goes above and beyond "Jell-O" .... the custard on top is like ice cream. Pineapple ice cream. It's seriously unreal. It's "insane" as my Uncle Ricky would say.

So what I'm saying, is don't judge every Jell-O by it's Jell-O box because this recipe is aweeeeeesome. 

Thank you Edna. XO

Edna’s Orange Jell-O

Ingredients for Jell-O
2 - 3 oz orange Jell-O
1 - c hot water
1 - c cold water
2 - bananas sliced
1 - 8 oz can crushed pineapple (drain & save juice)
1 - c tiny marshmallows

Ingredients for Custard
1/2 - c sugar
2 - tbl flour
1 - egg beaten
2 - tbs butter
1 1/2 to 2 cups cool whip
1 cup mild cheddar cheese

Directions
1. In a 13" x 9" Combine both Jell-o mixes w/ hot water until powder is completely dissolved then add cold water. (Exactly as described on box)

2. Drain an 8 oz can of crushed pineapple and  KEEP the pineapple juice! You will need this for the custard. Set crushed pineapple aside.

3. Thinly slice 2 bananas and add them to the Jell-O mixture. Pour in your mini marshmallows & crushed pineapple (no juice) as well.

4. Refrigerate Jell-O until firm. About 4 hours.

5. Now we are going to make the custard. Measure your pineapple juice. You will need 1 cup. If you do not have 1 cup, add water until it makes 1 cup. 

6. In a small sauce pan combine pineapple juice, sugar, beaten egg, butter and flour (while cold). Now turn the flame on low and stir until it starts to thicken and coats a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool in fridge. 

7. Once the custard is completely cool, fold your cool whip into it and then spread onto Jell-O

8. Grate mild cheddar cheese on top with large box grater and serve cold. Store in refrigerator.