Trifle : Layers of sponge cake soaked in sherry or fruit juice , topped with custard , jelly , fruit, and whipped cream — a favorite dessert for any occasion .

Trifle traces its origins back to England in the 16th century. Initially, it was a way to repurpose leftover cake, often soaked in alcohol to prevent wastage. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating various ingredients like custard, jelly, and fruits. Trifle became a quintessential part of British cuisine, featured prominently in holiday feasts and special occasions. Its versatility and indulgent layers have made it a cherished dessert worldwide, enjoyed in countless variations across cultures.

Ingredients:

- Sponge cake or ladyfingers

- Sherry or fruit juice for soaking

- Custard (homemade or store-bought)

- Jelly (flavored gelatin)

- Fresh fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, or raspberries)

- Whipped cream

Method:

1. Prepare the sponge cake or use store-bought ladyfingers.

2. Cut the sponge cake into cubes and place them in the bottom of a trifle dish.

3. Generously soak the sponge cake with sherry or fruit juice.

4. Layer custard over the soaked sponge cake, ensuring even coverage.

5. Prepare the jelly according to the package instructions and pour it over the custard layer.

6. Add a layer of fresh fruits on top of the jelly.

7. Finish with a generous layer of whipped cream.

8. Optionally, garnish with additional fruit or cake crumbs.

9. Refrigerate the trifle for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

10. Enjoy this delicious and visually stunning dessert with family and friends!

Nutrition Value:

1. Sponge cake or ladyfingers:

  - Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories per serving (1 slice of sponge cake or 3-4 ladyfingers).

  - Carbohydrates: Provides around 20-30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

  - Protein: Low in protein, typically around 2-4 grams per serving.

  - Fat: Contains about 3-8 grams of fat per serving, depending on the recipe.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium, typically less than 150 milligrams per serving.

  - Cholesterol: Generally low in cholesterol, with less than 30 milligrams per serving.

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides energy from carbohydrates and some fat. Low in protein but can contribute to overall calorie intake.

2. Sherry or fruit juice for soaking:

  - Calories: Approximately 50-100 calories per serving, depending on the amount used.

  - Carbohydrates: Mainly from sugars, providing around 10-25 grams per serving.

  - Protein: Negligible protein content.

  - Fat: Virtually no fat content.

  - Sodium: Low to no sodium content.

  - Cholesterol: No cholesterol.

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides flavor and moisture to the sponge cake. Fruit juice may offer some vitamins and antioxidants.

3. Custard (homemade or store-bought):

  - Calories: Around 100-150 calories per serving, depending on the type and portion size.

  - Carbohydrates: Typically 15-20 grams per serving.

  - Protein: Contains about 3-5 grams of protein per serving.

  - Fat: Provides around 5-10 grams of fat per serving.

  - Sodium: May contain moderate sodium, depending on the recipe or brand.

  - Cholesterol: Can be high in cholesterol due to egg yolks, ranging from 50-100 milligrams per serving.

  - Nutritional benefits: Good source of protein and fat. May contain vitamins and minerals from egg yolks.

4. Jelly (flavored gelatin):

  - Calories: Usually low in calories, around 10-20 calories per serving.

  - Carbohydrates: Mainly from sugars, providing around 2-5 grams per serving.

  - Protein: Negligible protein content.

  - Fat: Virtually no fat content.

  - Sodium: Low to no sodium content.

  - Cholesterol: No cholesterol.

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides texture and flavor. Gelatin may contain small amounts of protein but is not a significant source of nutrients.

5. Fresh fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, or raspberries):

  - Calories: Varies depending on the type of fruit, typically 20-50 calories per serving.

  - Carbohydrates: Mainly from natural sugars, providing around 5-15 grams per serving.

  - Protein: Contains small amounts of protein, usually 1-3 grams per serving.

  - Fat: Minimal fat content, typically less than 1 gram per serving.

  - Sodium: Low to no sodium content.

  - Cholesterol: No cholesterol.

  - Nutritional benefits: Excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Provide fiber for digestive health and various health benefits.

6. Whipped cream:

  - Calories: Approximately 50-100 calories per serving, depending on the portion size.

  - Carbohydrates: Usually around 1-5 grams per serving.

  - Protein: Contains minimal protein, usually less than 1 gram per serving.

  - Fat: Provides around 5-10 grams of fat per serving.

  - Sodium: May contain some sodium, depending on the recipe or brand.

  - Cholesterol: Can be high in cholesterol due to cream, ranging from 10-30 milligrams per serving.

  - Nutritional benefits: Source of energy from fat. May contain small amounts of vitamins A and D from cream.