STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SQUARES

2 cups finely crushed pretzels

½ cup sugar, divided

2/3 cup butter, melted

12 oz cream cheese softened

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup thawed cool whip

2 cups boiling water

1 package Strawberry Jell-O

1 ½ cups cold water

2 pints strawberries, sliced

Preheat over to 350 degrees.  Mix pretzels, ¼ cup sugar, and butter.  Press firmly into 13” x 9” baking pan.  Bake 10 minutes.  Cool.  Beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and milk until smooth.  Gently stir in whipped topping.  Spread over crust.  Refrigerate.  Meanwhile, stir boiling water into Jell-O in a large bowl for at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved.  Stir in cold water.  Refrigerate for 1 ½ hours or until thickened.  [Spoon drawn through leaves a definite impression].  Stir in strawberries; spoon over cream cheese layer.  Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.  Cut into 20 squares.