Merrill's Moving Day Salad

This one comes from my sister-in-law, Carol Merrill. She made it to serve on one of their many moving days when Ollie was in the Air Force.

1 (4 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 pkg vanilla instant pudding mix
1 envelope Dream Whip topping mix
2 cups milk
1 lg can fruit cocktail, drained
1 cup rice, cooked
1/2 cup coconut
Apples, oranges, and bananas*
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Blend a little milk into the softened cream cheese. Gradually add a little more milk, and then add the pudding mix, Dream Whip, and remaining milk. Beat until thick.

Add rice, coconut, fruit cocktail and stir. Add additional sugar if using oranges, or if your apples are tart. Sprinkle with nuts. Chill until serving. Mix the nuts into the fruit before serving.

*You can use whatever kind of fruit you want, but these are the general fruits used.