Decadent Tropical Fruit Salad

This salad is sweet enough to be a dessert for any special occasion. Just beat together cream cheese, sugar, and yogurt, then stir in pineapple, cherries, coconut and pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 (6 oz.) containers lemon yogurt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 bananas, diced
• 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
• 1 (10-oz.) jar maraschino cherries, chopped and drained (reserve one whole cherry for garnish)
• 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Mint leaves (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat together first three ingredients until well mixed. Stir in remaining ingredients, except mint. Spoon into a 1 1/2-quart glass bowl. Garnish by putting reserved cherry in center and arranging mint leaves around it to form a flower. Cover and chill 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Number of Servings: 10-12

Notes from the Cook: This sweet and creamy salad makes a beautiful presentation for any party or event.