Recipe(tried): Smooth Mandarin Orange Jello (using cottage cheese and Cool Whip)

I got this one years ago and it has been a family favorite since.

MANDARIN ORANGE JELLO SALAD

1 pound container of cottage cheese
1 (15 oz) can of mandarin oranges, reserve juice
1 (3 oz) box of orange jello
1 tub of Cool Whip

Put cottage and some juice from oranges and dry jello in the blender. Mix until smooth. Put it all in a large bowl.

Add drained mandarin orange sections and most of Cool Whip. Fold together until well mixed.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS:
Can add some fresh coconut or maraschino cherries when folding in oranges.

This is also good made with drained pineapple chunks or peaches.