1 (17 oz.) can cherries, drained, rinsed and drained again
2 tbsp. sugar
1 (6 oz.) pkg. cherry flavored gelatin
2 c. boiling water
2 c. cold water
1 (15 1/2 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges
Optional: 1/2 c. chopped pecans

1. Pour the cherries into a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Let sit while preparing the remaining ingredients.

2. Dissolve the cherry gelatin in the boiling water; stir in the cold water.

3. Stir in the cherries, pineapple, mandarin oranges and pecans if using; mix well. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch pan and chill until firm.

NOTE: The original recipe called for using canned Princess Anne cherries, which are tart, and 1/4 cup sugar. The cherries were difficult to find so the substitutions were made.