Lavonne's Cranberry Fluff

Yesterday was my birthday and I received a very unexpected gift; I ran into my friend Lavonne while I was out running errands! I was grateful not only for the two hugs she gave me but also for the chance to tell her in person how much we enjoyed her cranberry fluff on Thanksgiving. When she sent me the recipe, Lavonne had it titled Cranberry Salad (Fluff). Given the joy it brings me to name recipes on my blog after the people who share them, I quickly named it Lavonne's Cranberry Fluff!

Lavonne and I have been friends for many years but since she retired as front office secretary (one of the very hardest jobs in any school!) two years ago, I don't often get the chance to see her. I used to love going into the front office to swap recipes with Lavonne and I truly miss her being at our school! A few years ago, Lavonne brought her version of cranberry salad for a school potluck and I fell in love with it. I decided this year that I would love to add it to our Thanksgiving table and we were all glad that I did!

My grandmother used to make a dish she called 24 Hour Salad that was very similar to this one and while I love that one at Christmas, this is perfect for Thanksgiving. The whole berry cranberry sauce gives it just the right tartness.

Knowing how much I love the stories behind recipes, Lavonne shared with me where she got this one. It was passed down to her by her mother-in-law Elizabeth who has since passed away. She began working in her local school cafeteria in Pulaski, TN when her daughter started school and retired from Bridgeforth Middle School. She loved cooking for the kids and for her own family. I feel certain Lavonne must have plenty of treasured recipes from her mother-in-law as many of our own family recipes came from my great aunt who also cooked in a school cafeteria. I also imagine that Lavonne's mother-in-law was delighted that her son married such a great cook!

When Lavonne sent me the recipe, she said that she makes her fluff a little nuttier than the recipe calls for and since my life is always a little nutty, I opted for Lavonne's variation! I am just putting the amount I used in the recipe below. She also said that the marshmallows are optional but they just weren't for me; in they went!

I made this a day ahead of when I served it and it gave it just enough time to set up well. Be sure to purchase the whole berry sauce as opposed to the jellied kind.

May you love the fluff as we do and may you always unexpectedly run across a friend as good as Lavonne on your birthday!

Lavonne's Cranberry Fluff (click for printable recipe)

1 16 oz. can of whole berry cranberry sauce
1  20 oz. can of crushed pineapple, drained well
1 16 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 8 oz container of Cool Whip, thawed
2 cups of small marshmallows

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.