There may be such a thing as a dessert that doesn't work. We don't think this is one of them.
This take on a traditional trifle is a perfect dessert for any Fourth of July celebration. It's simple and can be made by someone for whom the kitchen is not the favorite room in the house. If you would prefer, you can use whipped cream in a can (though I prefer the kind you make from scratch), and any fruit combination can work. You don't even have to use a glass bowl.
This dessert works best on Independence Day when the fruit is as close as possible to appearing to be red, white, and blue.
Happy Fourth of July!!
Summertime Trifle
- 1 pint or more heavy whipping cream depending on the volume of fruit
- Enough sugar to satisfy your family’s taste
- The zest of one medium orange
- 1 package of lady fingers
- 2 T. Madeira
- 1 pint of blueberries
- 1 pint of strawberries
- Equivalent amount of green grapes
- Mint for garnish
- 1 glass bowl (to show off your beautiful work)
Prepare the whipped cream. Add enough sugar to the whipped cream to your taste and the zest of the orange. Refrigerate for four hours or more. After cleaning and patting the fruit dry, cut up so all pieces of each fruit are approximately the same size. Add sugar to the fruit if desired. Line your glass bowl with the lady fingers so that they form an unbroken circle. Sprinkle the Madeira on the lady fingers.
Spoon a layer of whipped cream on the bottom of the bowl. Add the grapes. Spoon on another layer of whipped cream. Add the strawberries. Spoon a layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries. Add the blueberries and top with a layer of whipped cream. Refrigerate at least six hours, or better, overnight.