Winter Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is perfect for this time of year when we are waiting for the summer fruits to ripen and become fully flavored.  I got this recipe from my dear friend Laurel and have made it many times over the years.  My mother-in-law always requests it for Christmas brunch.  I maybe should have posted this recipe this winter as it is a winter staple recipe when a fruit salad is needed and all that is available that tastes good are bananas, apples and canned fruit.  It uses all of the above.

Winter Fruit Salad
 1/2 c. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 c. orange juice
1 T. lemon juice
20 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained
8oz.can mandarin oranges, drained
2 c. diced apples, I use red delicious
1/4 c. marachino cherries, drained
2 large bananas, sliced

In a serving bowl, whisk the sugar and cornstarch to mix.  Whisk in the orange and lemon juices.  Microwave on high 2 minutes, whisk and microwave 1-2 minutes more or until thickened.  Set aside to cool.  Meanwhile, open the mandarin oranges and pineapple and drain in sieve until orange juice mixture is cool.  When oj mixture is cool, cut in apples and add pineapple, cherries and mandarin oranges.  Chill a couple hours and when ready to serve cut in bananas, stirring to combine well.