We also make this for just about all family get together dinners.
We use crushed pineapples, and that is where I put my jello. Seems to make it a little stiffer when it's chilled.
We add fruit to match the color/flavor jello we're using. Cherries with cherry flavored jello....mandarine oranges in orange flavored jello, etc. Pineapples go in no matter what color/flavor we make.
No matter what color/flavor we make, we call it 'the pink stuff'. We love it!
Carol B