Traditional English Sherry Trifle Strictly For The Grown Ups Recipes

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH TRIFLE

Steps:

• Slice the cake into slices measuring about 3 x 2 x 1/2 inches, or whatever is convenient, and spread each slice with a little strawberry jam.
• Layer in a glass dish, leaving no significant gaps.
• Pour sherry over to soak sponge.
• Spread frozen raspberries over sponge, followed by sliced peaches.
• Make up custard, cool slightly and pour over all.
• Allow to cool in fridge.
• When set, whip cream and layer on top of custard.
• Chill for at least half an hour.
• Toast the almonds and scatter over.
• That's it, you're done, serve and enjoy!

CLASSIC TRIFLE

Steps:

• Put 750g frozen summer fruit in a pan with 200g caster sugar and 1 litre water and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cook for 2 mins, then scoop out 6 tbsp fruit and 150ml juice. Now carry on cooking the fruit in the pan for 5 mins.
• Meanwhile, soak 9 sheets leaf gelatine in cold water to soften it. If you have a hand blender, blitz the cooked fruit or mash with a potato masher, then strain through a sieve into a large bowl and push through the pulp so just the skins and seeds are left.
• Squeeze excess water from the gelatine, add to the hot fruit syrup and stir to dissolve. Cool, then chill until on the point of almost setting.
• Make the custard according to pack instructions with 75g custard powder, 1.2l milk and 50g caster sugar to create a really thick custard. Cover the surface with baking paper while it cools a little.
• Pile 1½ - 2 cubed madeira cakes into a trifle bowl, spoon over the reserved juice and berries, then 4 tbsp sherry or cassis.
• Pour over a thick layer of custard, pushing it against the side of the dish to seal in the cake below. Leave to cool and set with a skin - this makes a barrier for the jelly.
• When the custard is cold and set, and the jelly is on the point of setting, spoon the jelly over the custard and chill until ready to complete.
• Whip 300 - 450ml double cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp icing sugar until just holding its shape, then spoon round the bowl over the set jelly. Scatter with 2 crushed amaretti biscuits and chill until ready to serve.

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH TRIFLE

Steps:

• Bring the milk and 10fl oz of the cream to the boil in a non-stick pan.
• Beat the egg yolks, cornflour and sugar together in a bowl, then gradually whisk in the hot milk and cream.
• Return the mixture to the pan and cook over a low heat, stirring constantly, for about ten minutes, until the mixture has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Take care not to let it boil as it will curdle.
• Transfer the custard to a bowl and leave to cool.
• Arrange a single layer of the cake slices over the base of the bowl.
• Spread the layer with 2 tbsp of raspberry jam and lay another layer of cake on top (you might not need to use all the cake).
• Spread the second layer with another 2 tbsp of raspberry jam and sprinkle over the sherry.
• Pour the custard over the cake, cover with clingfilm and chill for at least three hours.
• Whip the remaining cream into soft peaks.
• Uncover the trifle, spoon over the cream and return it to the fridge until you are ready to serve.
• Decorate however you wish, hundreds and thousands and halved glace cherries are traditional.

TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH SHERRY TRIFLE

Steps:

• Prepare custard according to package directions OR prepare homemade custard as follows: Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla essence until pale and creamy.
• Heat the milk and cream together in a saucepan until boiling point then stir into the egg mixture.
• Once it is well blended, return to the pan and stir continuously over a low heat until the custard thickens.
• Pour into a dish and set aside to cool.
• Place the sponge in the base of a large glass bowl and spread with the raspberry jam.
• Mix the sherry and the Drambuie and sprinkle evenly over the sponge allowing it to soak inches.
• Next add a layer of raspberries and sliced bananas.
• When quite cool, pour the custard over the layer of fruit, spreading evenly.
• Next whip the double cream well, add sugar to sweeten and spoon on top of custard.
• Decorate with toasted almonds and/or slices of fresh soft fruit.