Pineapple-Lemon Squares

Ingredients

• 1 15 1/4-ounce can crushed pineapple
• 1 6-ounce package lemon-flavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage
• 2 cups coarsely chopped pitted plums or cored pears
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 slightly beaten egg
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/3 cup shredded American cheese

Instructions

1. Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Set aside. Dissolve gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Add carbonated beverage. Chill till mixture is partially set (the consistency of unbeaten egg whites). Fold in pineapple and plums or pears. Pour into a 12x7 1/2x2-inch baking dish. Chill till almost firm.
2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine sugar and flour. Add enough water to reserved pineapple juice to equal 1 cup. Stir into sugar mixture. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Gradually stir about half of the hot mixture into egg. Return mixture to saucepan. Cook and stir till nearly bubbly; reduce heat. Cook and stir about 1 to 2 minutes more, but do not boil. Remove from heat. Cover surface with clear plastic wrap. Cool to room temperature.
3. Beat whipping cream till soft peaks form. Fold egg mixture into whipped cream. Spread evenly atop gelatin layer. Sprinkle with cheese. Chill for 4 to 24 hours.