Nana'S Heavenly Hash - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup pecans (Toasted and chopped)
2 (3 ounce) packages orange gelatin (can be sugar free)
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained ~ save juice)
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/4 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated ~ DO NOT OMIT CHEESE)
1 (8 ounce) can mandarin orange segments (drained ~ save juice)
1 cup maraschino cherry (drained and chopped)
1 cup flaked coconut
1 (8 ounce) carton Cool Whip (can be fat free)
1/3 cup sour cream (to cut the sweetness) (optional)

Preparation

Stirring constantly, toast pecans in a dry medium-hot iron skillet until fragrant! Be careful not to scorch them! Set aside to cool, then chop!
Add water to saved fruit juices to make 2 cups; bring to boil and dissolve gelatin.
Add 2 cups cold water and cool until partially set.
Add all ingredients EXCEPT cool whip.
When thickened but not completely set, fold sour cream into cool whip, then into jello-fruit mixture until well combined.
Pour into a pretty clear glass bowl, or trifle bowl ~ this makes a large amount!
Chill for several hours before serving.