Aunt Betty brought this 4 ingredient staple to every spring gathering and the bowl was always empty before the main course. It sounds completely crazy but the taste is pure magic.

You can tweak this fluff a bit while keeping Aunt Betty’s spirit intact. For a slightly sweeter dessert, use pineapple cottage cheese or add 1–2 tablespoons of powdered sugar when you mix in the gelatin. For more texture, fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of mini marshmallows with the mandarin oranges. If you like extra citrus punch, stir in 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest. To lighten it up a touch, use low-fat cottage cheese and light whipped topping, but keep in mind the texture may be a bit softer. For a pretty presentation at showers or brunch, spoon the chilled fluff into individual clear cups and top with a single mandarin segment. Food safety tips: Always keep this dish refrigerated until serving, since it contains dairy and whipped topping. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s a hot day or outdoor event). Use clean utensils each time you serve to avoid cross-contamination, and store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the mixture has been left out too long or looks watery or off in smell, it’s safest to discard it.