English Trifle

It's Ashley's birthday this weekend and instead of a cake, she has requested a birthday trifle! This recipe is one that I've been making forever and everyone loves it. In England, some recipes put a layer of jello in the middle of the trifle, which is probably great for kids parties, but not for Ashley or me.

So, this is the classic English dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard and cream. I usually have a hoard of English custard powder in my pantry, but if you don't have access to this, then it's just as good using vanilla pudding mix. I've used many kinds of cake for this dessert including lady's fingers, angel food cake and pound cake. The fruit is usually canned or frozen because there needs to be lots of juice, this makes the cake layer nice and moist. You can choose your favorite fruits, I sometimes add sliced bananas. The final layer is whipped cream or cool whip, depending on your choice. Try to use a pretty glass trifle bowl if you can, this way you get to see all those yummy layers.

I hope you try this great English dessert, it's really delicious and Happy Birthday Ashley!

English Trifle
(Serves 8 -12)

Ingredients:8 - 10 slices cake (see above)
1/2 cup jam, your choice
1 large can lite fruit cocktail, canned
1 8oz pack frozen mixed berries, defrosted and sweetened to taste
3 cups vanilla custard or pudding
2 cups whipped cream or cool whip

Directions:

• Cut the cake into slices and spread generously with jam.

• Place the cake evenly on the base of the trifle bowl for the first layer.

• Cover the cake with canned fruit cocktail and defrosted berries. Pour all the juice into the bowl, it will get soaked up by the cake.

• Next, pour over the warm custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

• Finally when ready to serve, just spoon on the whipped cream and decorate if you wish.