Lemon-Raspberry Mousse Squares

Awhile back I bought a box of Nilla Wafers and found this recipe on the side of the box.  I had been saving it for a special occasion and ended up making them for Easter.  They are DELICIOUS!!!  Very light and cool... not a heavy dessert at all.  Perfect for the summer!  I did make a few variations...I've noted them below in the recipe.  Seriously, make this recipe THIS weekend!

Lemon-Raspberry Mousse Squares

48 NILLA Wafers, divided (I used WAY more than 48...I bought a huge box of them and used about 3/4 of the box)

3/4 cup  boiling water

1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Gelatin

1 cup  ice cubes

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 cup  sugar

2 tsp. lemon zest

1 tub  (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

1/3 cup raspberry preserves

1-1/2 cups  fresh fruit 

 

STAND 16 wafers around edge of plastic wrap-lined 8-inch square pan. Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in ice until melted. (I used a 9x13 pan... like I said..I just used way more nilla wafers and it worked out perfectly! There was plenty of filling to go in a 9x13)
BEAT next 3 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gradually beat in gelatin. Whisk in 2 cups COOL WHIP.
POUR half the gelatin mixture into prepared pan; cover with 16 wafers. Microwave preserves on HIGH 15 sec. or until melted; brush onto wafers. Top with remaining gelatin mixture and wafers.
REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm. Invert dessert onto plate; top with remaining COOL WHIP and fruit. (I didn't invert mine onto another dessert plate.  I never have luck inverting any sort of food onto another plate. Right before I served mine I put the last bit of cool whip on the top and then just dished it up out of the 9x13.  Also, I didn't use fresh fruit on the top and it was just as delicious! Oh...and I made mine the night before so the Nilla Wafers were super moist and delicious!)
 __________________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if anybody makes it and what you think!  This recipe is also on the kraftfoods.com website.  They suggested for a little variation to use strawberry gelatin and strawberry preserves. That sounds equally delicious!

 _________________________

Last night we went up to the middle school track to run for awhile.  Trav and I were timing each other on how fast we could run a mile. After Travis finished his mile he was huffing and puffing and I guess it really concerned Emma because while he was walking it off she kept running after him saying, "Are you okay honey? Honey...what's wrong? Ohhh honey, come here. Are you okay honey?" (why she was calling him honey I have no clue :) ha!)  When she caught up to him she kept kissing his legs telling him, "It's okay honey...it's okay." 

Alrighty...time to get off of here and get this house in order!!!
Have a great Wednesday tomorrow!