For many Kiwis, Christmas isn't complete until the family trifle graces the table; sponge over-soaked in Grandma's sherry, custard smooth and velvety, all topped with vanilla-sweetened whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 85 gram packet berry-style jelly crystals
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 280 gram sponge roll
• ½ cup sweet sherry
• 2 punnets strawberries, hulled and halved
• Egg custard
• 3 tablespoons cornflour
• ½ cup cream
• 4 egg yolks
• ¼ cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 cups milk

Method

1. Pour the jelly crystals into a bowl and stir in the boiling water. When the crystals have dissolved, stir in the cold water. Set aside to cool and become almost set. The jelly needs to be the texture of egg white.
2. In a saucepan, stir together the cornflour, cream, egg yolks, caster sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the milk and then cook, stirring regularly over a medium heat until the custard is thick. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then chill.
3. Cut the sponge roll into 1cm-1.5cm slices and arrange in the base and sides of a serving bowl. Spoon or drizzle the sherry over the sponge.
4. Reserve a few strawberries for decoration; arrange the remaining berries over the sponge and around the sides of the bowl.
5. Spoon or pour the near-set jelly on top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the jelly is set.
6. Spoon the custard on top and return to the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until the custard has set. Top with whipped cream and berries.

Cooks Tips

- The jelly can be omitted. - Use whatever summer fruit you have to hand - apricots or peaches are great partners to have with custard. - Homemade custard will make the best-tasting custard but, if you are in a real hurry, make up 2½ cups packet custard. - You can use bought ready-made custard, but it is much thinner than homemade custard and it will hot hold its shape when served. - For a non-alcoholic version of this recipe, use fruit juice in place of sherry. - Do allow sufficient setting time to ensure the trifle can be served elegantly.