Patty Kuchenski Recipe Collection
Pretzel Surprise

2 2/3 cups broken pretzel sticks (pecan size)
3/4 cup melted butter
12 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup Cool Whip
6 oz strawberry jello
12 oz frozen, unsweetened strawberries

Preheat oven and get cream cheese out to soften
Toss pretzels and butter together in a 9x13 casserole dish. Bake 10 min at 350 degrees. Cool completely (or your crust will rise/I cool overnight sometimes).
Cream the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, spread over cooled pretzels (make sure it is soft, maybe even warmed or it won't spread well; it is difficult to spread it, don't give up here). Chill.
Dissolve jello according to package directions. Add 1 bag unsweetened frozen strawberries (I slice them sideways). Refrigerate until slightly thickened. Carefully spread over chilled topping. Refrigerate.

I received this recipe from long ago when I worked at the Probation Department in El Monte. Our favorite cook was Virginia Wagnon and she gave us some of my best old favorite recipes.
You will see why this recipe is a pain in the mm-mm to make but it is well worth it. It will come out good even if it doesn't seem to layer well.
Our Pruett family as a tradition has this every Thanksgiving with our dinner. It is a family favorite as the flavor combination so sooooo good!

Recipe Contributed by Patty Kuchenski