Coconut-Pineapple Delight

This is one of those super yummy, but messy looking desserts that everyone tends to bring to church potlucks.  There are quite a few variations, but this is one of our family favorites.  The freshness of the pineapple, combined with the whipped topping is perfect for saturating those delicious vanilla wafers.  And you might think that there's a lot of coconut, but trust me, it's the perfect amount for this dish.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

-40 vanilla wafers

-1 lemon

-1 (14 oz)can sweetened condensed milk

-1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple

-1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed

-1 (7 oz) package sweet coconut flakes

-1 (10 oz) jar marachino cherries, drained, with stems removed

Directions:

Line the bottom of an 8x8 square pan with 20 of the vanilla wafers.

In a medium bowl, juice the lemon.  Add the milk and mix very well.  Stir in the crushed pineapple, with the juice from the can.  Mix well and pour over the wafers.  Top with the thawed whipped topping.  Smooth it evenly across.

Top with the coconut flakes.  Press it down carefully.  And yes, it is a thick layer of coconut, but it's needed. :)  Place the cherries all over the top.

Carefully cover with foil and refrigerate for about 8 hours.  Enjoy!