If you have the right ingredients around, you can make a dessert that looks really complicated and tastes delicious, but it is actually very simple. We were having some neighbours over for dinner, so we put together a tasty trifle, that is very fruity and summery. But we used all the conveniences our pantry and freezer could provide.
What I used:
-1 frozen Sara Lee Pound Cake, cut into 1 inch squares
-1 package Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding
-1L tub of Cool Whip
-1 cup washed strawberries, quartered
-1 cup washed blueberries
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/4 cup granulated sugar
-a dash of Peach Schnapps
-2 tablespoons shaved chocolate (or some cocoa) to garnish
First follow the package directions to make the pudding. In a separate bowl, toss together the blueberries, strawberries, sugar, schnapps (substitute your favourite liquor here, or skip it altogether) and the juice of the lemon (you could easily throw the zest in too).
Next, using a clear bowl or trifle bowl (something see through with straight sides is ideal), layer half the diced cake, then half the fruit mixture, half the pudding, and about 1/3 of the Cool Whip. Repeat the layers. Top it with the shaved chocolate. Voila. Pretty, summery and quick.
Never be afraid to try similar substitutions. Use whatever fruit you have around, try it with chocolate pudding, use ladyfingers or sponge cake, use orange instead of lemon juice, or make it in individual servings by using tall glasses. Happy non-baking!