Fruit Trifle
By: Sheri Wetherell
Published: September 6, 2008

I love when my friend's mom, Val, comes to town. Her English accent soothes me and, being a fabulous cook, her desserts never fail to make me swoon with delight. Remember her Apple Tart? Yup, perfection. Much to my belly's chagrin, she was at it again last night with this divine fruit trifle.
First, I have this strange fondness for trifle bowls (and, for trifle for that matter). Perhaps it's because they are deep, clear and seem to seduce us with, "I'm going to be filled up with creamy sweetness, the likes of which you will be unable to refuse." I mean, really, what's better than a big goblet full of liqueur soaked cake, custard and fruit?
Val's glorious trifle was made with peaches, strawberries and raspberries; cake liberally soaked with Grand Marnier and homemade raspberry syrup (kudos to Tracy!); and custard throughout.
<Sigh> Excuse me, I need a moment to reflect...

Comments:
Dave
September 6, 2008

I've never had one, but it sure looks yummy.
Alisa

do share with us the recipe on this one...they look delicious!
Rosebud

Do you have any leftovers?  If so, I will be right over.  Very beautiful!!
Tracy Sarich

Val's Summer Trifle 
Ingredient List:
1. Yellow/Sponge Cake (approx 8 oz - use your favorite sponge or yellow cake recipe here - though a box [gasp!] yellow cake mix will do here in a pinch);
2. Raspberry Sauce (recipe below);
3.  Fresh raspberries (6 oz. - 1 small container);
4.  Fresh peaches (2 large) - peeled;
5.  Fresh strawberries (1 qt);
6. Grand Marnier (approx. 1/2 cup);
7.  Custard (roughly 1 1/2 cups); and yes
8.  FRESH CREAM (roughly 1 1/2 cups or to taste)
Instructions:
1.  Raspberry Sauce:  Combine 1/4 cup sugar, 6 oz. fresh rasberries, and 1/3 cup water in saucepan and simmer until soft.   Add 3 heaping tablespoons of black raspberry jam.  The key to this recipe is straining the seeds and pulp because the seeds tend to be a little bitter and the consistency a little lumpy (the presentation is much better when strained).  Taste and add more sugar if necessary. Chill.  Lick the spoon.
2.  Peel peaches and blend with other fruit, and soak in Grand Marnier for at least 30 minutes up to 3 hours.  Be sure to reserve all juices from the fruit.  Add a little sugar if the strawberries and rasberries, or whatever fruit you're using, is not as sweet as you'd like.
3.  Whisk cream in a cold bowl (this works the best if done by hand)
4.  Prepare custard (Bird's Eye Custard Powder works well or make a homemade custard).
5.  Roughly break cake into a layer on the bottom and layer strawberries around the outside of the trifle dish to make a nice pattern.  Add fruit with some of the Grand Marnier/fruit juices onto the cake - add a layer of custard with a few dollops of cream and a light swirl of raspberry sauce.  Repeat until you're ingredients are done and you're at the top of the trifle bowl.
6.  Finish with a thick layer of cream.  Garnish with reserved whole fruit and whatever else your heart desires (here we added shaved chocolate and mint leaves).
7.  Chill for at least 3 hours to allow everything to set and the flavors to meld.
8.  Enjoy with those you love.
Alisa

Tracy you are an absolute angel! Thanks for sharing Val's recipe! Can't wait to try this at home! Foodista is sooo addictive...
Desiree

This recipe is oh so decadent...it's like going on a body holiday with your taste buds...mmmm!