During the 1980's I received this recipe from a lady who lived in Burlington, Iowa and inspired me in so many ways! I also recall that I had received a set of antique luncheon plates from her during those years when she moved into a Senior Townhome. These dishes became the beginning point for me to collect mix matched pieces and cups and saucers.
I learned so much from Frances who was a frugal woman! She was very creative and knew how to stretch a dollar! You can see my mix and match china below:
Here is the recipe for Frances Vollmer's Lemon Pretzel Torte:
You will need 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 stick of butter softened, 1 - 3 1/4 oz package of lemon pie filling mix (NOT instant), 2 3 oz packages of Dream Whip Topping Mix (yes they still have it at the grocery), 1 8oz package softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar. There are 3 levels to this dessert, it is easy to do and will feed 12 to 14 people. You will be using a 9 x 13 pyrex dish for the dessert.
For the bottom level of the dessert: Crush pretzels into small bite size pieces like nuts. Cream the butter and the sugar. Add the pretzels pieces and mix together. Using your hands to form a ball, press this mixture into the 9 x 13 pyrex pan. Refrigerate until
chilled.
Go ahead now and make the lemon pie filling as directed on the package and refrigerate in a separate bowl until cool but not yet firm.
The Second level of the dessert is this: prepare the 2 whipped topping envelopes according to directions. Then beat this into the cream cheese and powdered sugar till well blended. Spread this over the bottom crust in the pyrex dish and put back in refrigerator.
Now for the top level: Spread the lemon pudding mix on the top and return again to refrigerator. You can see the 3 layers below:
Just click the photo above to see others who participate in Tea Time Tuesday!
March 19th Later Note: I had mailed Frances a copy of this post in a card and yesterday on March 18, 2001 it came back marked "deceased". I am deeply saddened but happy to know that she is now with the Lord.
also see an older post on Frances: