Cherry Pretzel Dessert (aka Cherry Pretzel Stuff)

My Aunt Sal and her family are the ones who are mostly responsible for fun and creative foods at most of our family parties. Her in-laws have always been on the forefront of trendy party dishes, appetizers and cocktails. So when it comes time for parties on our side of the family, my Aunt Sal (as well as her kids/my cousins) are the go-to people. The connection.

One dish that has become not only a standard, but also a must-have, is her Cherry Pretzel Dessert. To this day, the demand for it’s presence at family gatherings is astonishing. The only problem is…it doesn’t really have a name. It started off as, “Hey, can you bring that…stuff…you know, the stuff that’s made with cherries and pretzels,” or, “man, I hope Aunt Sal makes that…stuff…with the cherries and pretzels.” So, we christened it Cherry Pretzel Stuff. Why we went with Stuff, I don’t know. I guess Cherry Pretzel Thing sounds too much like a Stephen King novel, and who really has the time to ask for another helping of Cherry Pretzel Whatchamacallit. So we went with Stuff. I’m also proud to say that various other crafty dessert concoctions have adopted the “Stuff” label. More on them in future posts.

Not only is Cherry Pretzel Stuff a huge hit in our family, it has also done very well for itself when served to friends. Every time we have brought it to or served it at a party, we’ve been asked for the recipe. And it’s always the same story. “Hey, can we have the recipe for that…um, stuff…that you brought to our house?”

So in honor of my Aunt Sal, I am proud to give you …Stuff.

1 Cup Margarine
3/4 cup sugar
3 cups crushed pretzels
8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup 10X (Confectioner’s) sugar
2 cups Cool Whip
1 can Cherry Pie filling.

Melt Margarine and sugar in saucepan. Add Pretzels.

Beat Cream Cheese, 10X sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Fold in Cool Whip.

Spread 1/2 of the pretzels in a 9X13 inch pan.

Layer cream cheese mixture on top.

Layer rest of pretzels.

Top with Cherry Pie Filling.

Chill and enjoy eating.