This month saw the Pirate have a landmark birthday. When asked what I fancied for pudding there are only two choices I will consistently go for, both childhood favourites created by my Nan. This year I chose a true 1970s guilty pleasure, strawberry trifle. As usual, the Pirate’s wife delivered utter perfection, complete with nostalgia.

You can buy kits for this, and they’re great. On the whole trifle is an absolute doddle to pull together but for a truly indulgent trifle, in my opinion, it has to be made with proper, home made custard.

Custard:

• 400ml double cream
• 4 large egg yolks
• 25g caster sugar
• 1 level dessertspoon cornflour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jelly:

• 150g fresh strawberries, quartered
• 200g Ladies Fingers sponges
• 2x 135g blocks of strawberry Jelly

Topping:

• 450ml whipped cream

• Or, if you want the full 1970s nostalgic experience… Birds Dream Topping.
• Tempered chocolate shards, and strawberries for decoration.

Slowly heat the cream in a pan until it is almost simmering, stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour and the vanilla in a bowl. Then, while continuing to whisk the egg mixture slowly pour the hot cream into the bowl. It is important that you continue to whisk as you pour.

Return the custard mixture back to the saucepan. Place the pan back onto the heat as you continue whisking until the custard is thick and smooth. Place to one side to cool.

Make the Jelly up as per instructions.

Place the ladies fingers in a bowl or large dish. Throw in your chopped strawberries and pour over the jelly.

Once the jelly is set and the custard has cooled and thickened. Spread the custard over the jelly. Place the trifle in the fridge to cool prior to adding the final topping of either whipped cream or Dream Topping. 

Garnish with shattered shards of tempered chocolate and pieces of strawberry. 

If your trifle is for adults you can add Sherry, vodka or spiced rum to the jelly as you make it, taking care not to add too much alcohol as this will result in trifle soup as the jelly fails to set. 

Alcohol free is how my Nan made my trifle when I was young, and that is the way I continue to prefer it.

As always please send all comments to piratespantry@gmail.com