I’ve missed Feed Me Friday.  In the swirl of showing our house, packing, and focusing on “finishing well,” I realize I haven’t been cooking a lot! When I do pull out the pots and pans, I’m cooking simple, familiar things like baked macaroni, grilled asparagus, and sauteed chicken. And, let’s be honest … I’m trying to empty out the pantry and the freezer! Bavarian pretzel, anyone?

But this weekend we have a birthday in our house! Jacob is a lover of international treats, and trifle is an English treat that’s right at home this time of year. It also makes a beautiful presentation.  And a bonus … strawberries were on sale this week!

I scanned my Pinterest files for the perfect Berry Trifle recipe and just didn’t find one I loved. There are a LOT out there, but I don’t like a lot of lemon, didn’t want to use pudding, and rejected cookies or pound cake as my “sponge” layer. So I took my favorite parts of several recipes and came up with Jacob’s Birthday Berry Trifle.

Birthday Berry Trifle

• 2 blocks (8 oz each) of cream cheese (I use light) at room temp
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 2/3 cup of cold whipping cream
• 12 oz of fresh raspberries
• 16 oz of strawberries
• 4 T. orange juice
• 1/2 of a baked angel food cake (I made mine from a quick box mix), cut in cubes

1. Use a mixer to blend the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar.
2. Once blended, whip in the whipping cream until thoroughly mixed and creamy.  Set aside.
3. Chop the strawberries in small chunks and toss with the orange juice.
4. To cut the angel food cake in cubes, you might need an electric knife or kitchen scissors; it can be sticky, making it easy to smash. You don’t want that!
5. Make 2 layers of:   Cake cubes, chopped strawberries, raspberries, cream (spread gently).
6. You will end with the cream layer. Cover and chill until ready to eat, preferably at least 6 hours.
7. Garnish with berries on top.

Other recipes that say “Love”

• For warm, comforting baking ideas, check out my Pinterest Baking board (heavy on the cookies ;))
• In the mood for something more tropical? My Banana Pudding Trifle is DELICIOUS!

Even when life is full of change, cooking for those I love has a soothing, comforting affect on me … and on them! What food says “I love you” from your kitchen? I could use some inspiration and would love to read your ideas in the comments!