We gather, gab, nosh and fête frequently. The backyard sisters take our celebrations seriously. Yes,truly, getting the extended family together and feasting are not activities to be trifled with.

photo credit: @1ofmykind

The backyard sisters, their spouses, parents, children and often in-laws and a friend or two celebrate birthdays and holidays on a regular basis. A backyard cousin, home from college for a spring break visit, spurs us to man the party stations. Just so happens one of his favorite desserts is Trifle and lucky for him his Oma makes an impressive one. Lucky for me, I was privileged to indulge in this light and creamy delicacy that night. Not only is the layered presentation special and elegant but also

it tastes luscious. Now I know why he loves it so; it is a perfect mix of sweet, fruity flavors and creamy, airy textures. It sure impressed this guest and I daresay it would impress yours too, and that’s no trifling matter!

~ Susan

Trifle

• Angel Food cake torn into bite size pieces
• vanilla pudding (recipe follows)
• strawberry sauce (recipe follows)
• whipped cream
• sliced fresh strawberries

A trifle dish is the optimum container but if you don’t have one don’t let that stop you, any tall glass bowl or tall glass individual dishes can work also. Begin with a layer of the angel food cake, then spoon pudding over, next the strawberry sauce and then repeat topping it with whipped cream and sliced fresh strawberries.

Vanilla Pudding

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3+ tsp vanilla extract (to taste)
• 3/4 tsp salt

Mix sugar, flour and salt in a saucepan. Mix milk and egg yolks together and add to dry ingredients. Cook over low to medium heat until thickened stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Cool and chill.

Strawberry Sauce

• 4 cups frozen strawberries mashed
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine mashed strawberries sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan. Cook until thickened stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla and stir until butter incorporated. Cool.

Whipping Cream

To a pint of whipping cream add either powdered sugar or agave and vanilla to taste. Then whip with an electric mixer on high speed until it holds its own shape. If you beat too long you will end up with butter.