Festive Cranberry Jello

This is my favorite, fruity, cranberry jello recipe for the holidays.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 (5/8ounce) package sugar-free raspberry gelatin (the 8-serving size)
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 6  ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen, approx. 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 (20 ounce) can  crushed pineapple in syrup, drained (liquid reserved)
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained (liquid reserved)
• 2  celery ribs, diced
• 4  cups water (up to 4 cups)

Directions

1. Coarsely chop the cranberries and place in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 2 cups of water and the sugar and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, put chopped celery, mandarin orange segments, and crushed pineapple in a large bowl, reserving liquids in a 2 cup measuring cup.
3. Add enough cold water to the fruit juices in the measuring cup to yield 2 cups of liquid.
4. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in Jello powder, stirring constantly until it's fully dissolved. Add the cold water/fruit juice mixture. Pour into the bowl with the fruit and celery and stir. Spoon into a 9x13 baking dish and refrigerate until firm (at least 3 hours).