NO-BAKE PINA COLADA CHEESECAKE

Spray sides of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease with margarine.

1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
2 tbsp granulated sugar
3 tbsp butter, melted

Combine above ingredients and press onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 can (8-oz) crushed pineapple, drained - reserve juice
Rum*
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
1/4 cup toasted coconut

Soften gelatin in the water; stir over low heat until dissolved.

Combine the cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended. Pour pineapple juice into a 1 cup measure and add rum to make 3/4 cup.

Gradually add the gelatin and rum/juice mixture to the cream cheese mixture until well blended. Chill mixture until thickened but not set. Fold in the whipped cream and pineapple. Pour over the crust and chill until firm. Sprinkle with the toasted coconut.

*If you do not want to use rum, add water. You can add a dash of rum extract, if desired.

This is my version of a very old Kraft Foods recipe.

The picture is theirs.