ORANGE DREAMSICLE CREAM PIE

ORANGE DREAMSICLE CREAM PIE

In keeping with great tasted of summer, many of us can recall with pretty decent clarity the taste of the frozen summer treat, The Dreamsicle.  Now, in the event that you haven’t tried one of these, imagine, if you will, a hot summer day, filled with running through sprinklers, swimming lessons, summer reading programs at the library, maybe VBS (Vacation Bible School), and the general feelings of freedom that come with June, July, and August. 

Add to those memories the magical, unmistakable sound of the harbinger of summer goodness:  The Ice Cream Man.  Many of us, suburbia and city alike, can remember that tinny, musical sound crossing the summer air and sending us running into the house for a handful of change.  For 50 cents to a dollar, you could enjoy the ice cold treats the likes of ice cream sandwiches, bomb pops, strawberry shortcake, and my personal favorite – The Orange Dreamsicle. 

So, in celebration of summer, I had to pay homage to those magical moments growing up in Western Michigan, where the sounds of Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” had a Pavlovian response of grabbing 50 cents, scrambling out the door, and picking up my very own Orange Dreamsicle.  Those who have had one can agree on how wonderful they are.  And hopefully, in trying this pie, you’ll have the same enjoyment as well.

ORANGE DREAMSICLE CREAM PIE:

·         1 (3OZ.) Package Orange Jell-O

·         1 Cup Hot Water

·         1 (8Oz.) Package Cream Cheese, Softened

·         ¼ Cup Sugar

·         ¼ Cup Orange Juice

·         1 tsp. Lemon Juice

·         1 Cup Heavy Cream

Disolve Jell-O in hot water, cool, and set aside.  In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Beat in sugar, orange, and lemon juices.  Gradually mix in cooled Jell-O.  Refrigerate until almost set.

In a medium bowl, beat whipping cream until fluffy.  Quickly beat in Jell-O mixture.  Pour into pie crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.  Serve with whipped topping.