Strawberry Pretzel Salad

This salad has become a staple at holiday dinners in the last few years.  It is also the most asked for recipe among extended family and friends.  Although it's not my favorite, it seems to be the little salad that could.  I made it this year for Thanksgiving, and I found that I liked it best two days after it was made.  This salad has three layers.

Crust
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup melted butter {I would like to try less butter}
3 T. sugar

Stir and press into a 9x13 baking dish

Middle filling
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese
1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip)
1 cup sugar

Combine and lay on top of cooled crust

Topping
2 cups hot water
2 pkg (6 oz) strawberry Jell-o {would like to make "natural" strawberry gelatin with strawberry juice}
1 qrt frozen strawberries (do not thaw)

Mix in a saucepan, let thicken slightly.  Pour over the cream cheese layer. Best if chilled 1 to 24 hours before eating.

Enjoy!  Recipe from Grandma Bonnie
Also check out the recipe and directions from Life As Mom