A generic mix and match guide to making a trifle

[tonka11_99]

I started making a guide to making a trifle for my own amusement and as I got into it decided to post it. If you want to add anything, please do so. I apologize to the more advanced hounds. I realize that a trifle is pretty simple.

For those of you that don't know what a trifle is, It is a layered dessert usually in a large glass bowl but they can be put in individual size containers. It is usually important to put in a clear glass container to show off the layers. It is sort of like a parfait. I will try to post a picture of one.

I set this up so that someone could mix and match and come up with their own trifle. for the purpose of this exercise, I am only discussing dessert trifles.

Trifles

A trifle should have a layer or two of a pastry such as:

Pound cake
Lady fingers
Cookies
Banana bread
Brownies
Blondies
Lemon loaf

You could drizzle something on the pastry such as:

Orange Liqueur
Raspberry Liqueur
Rum
Jam
Chocolate Ganache
Chocolate Syrup
Fudge Sauce
Caramel Sauce

A trifle should have a layer or two of sweet cream such as:

Pastry cream
Pudding
Custard
Fruit curd
Sweetened Condensed Milk

A trifle should have a layer or two of fruit such as:

Strawberries
Raspberries
Bananas
Peaches
Nectarines
Oranges

Optional such as:

Nuts such as:
Walnuts
Almonds
Peanuts
Macadamias

Syrup such as:
Chocolate
Fudge
Strawberry
Raspberry
Caramel
Pineapple

Jam such as:

Stawberry
Raspberry
Pineapple

[chowser]

Too many possibilities. :-) When I was a girl scout leader and we needed a project that used trefoil cookies, we made a trifle w/ them as the base. I've also heard people moan over brownies and heath bar crunch ones. In my mind, a tiramisu is also a trifle variation. I've also seen them with crushed amaretti.

[smartie]

hmm
brits do use jelly (jello) in trifle.

layer of sponge soaked in sherry or masala
layer of jelly/jello, which is cool but not yet set so it does not bleed into the sponge cake
layer of fruit - usually canned fruit cocktail and bananas after the jelly has set
english custard - from a tin, made slightly thicker than the 1 pint recipe so it sets
layer of whipped cream after the custard has set

[tonka11_99]

There is at least one more thread on Chow hound regarding trifles.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6259...

[tonka11_99]

here is a picture like I promised. I just automatically posted rather than look for the picture.

[bushwickgirl]

Now, that's nice looking too. A big part of the beauty of a trifle is the appearance. Individual servings are fine, but made in a proper trifle bowl makes it very special.

[bushwickgirl]

Wow, that's a pretty comphrensive list; shows you the versatility of trifle. I want to mention the possible addition of a Marsala, Amaretto or Drambuie soak, and amaretti cookies. Maybe you were thinking of them when you wrote cookies.

My ex-MIL, who is Scots, made hers with a layer of Jello, but I'm not recommending that.;-(

[tonka11_99]

The list really would have been long had I listed all the cookies and I knew someone would chastise me for the skimpy list of liquers. I just sort of got into making the mix and match list. it reminded me of a casserole book I have somewhere. It had a set of lists like that so you could mix and match a casserole.

I got started doing it because I was trying to add to my computer list of desserts and decided to pull up a list of highly rated trifles on Food network. well, they all looked real familiar so i decided to make a mix and match list.

Then I decided to post it.

[bushwickgirl]

I was not chastising you, just suggesting...I actually really like mix and match lists. At my age, I can't keep all the possibilities in my head any more, or can't recall them, one or the other.

[runwestierun]

Ah, ditto my grandmother and the Jello. Jello everything. Lord. This makes me realize that's why I never make trifle--the yucky old Jello way is stuck in my brain. Thanks, tonka, your list makes me want to make it. Wasn't it Gourmet that had such a pretty picture of a jellyroll trifle in the last year or so? I'll see if I can find it.

Yep, here it is:

http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/...

[tonka11_99]

It might be more tolerable if you used jello shots...at least after 3-4 servings.

[bushwickgirl]

That's gorgeous and a very special trifle.

My aforementioned MIL used jelly roll as a base, it's called Swiss roll in the British isles, with the Jello layer. Nice with the sherry (not the Jello.)

[tonka11_99]

Uh huh.... ;-)

[tonka11_99]

Oh, that is kind of a pretty trifle.