ENGLISH TRIFLE – A Husband for a Recipe

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“Desserts are the fairy tale of the kitchen, a happily-ever-after to supper.” Terri Grillemets

Hi there,

We now have our recipe for the rib roast which is served at a proper English Christmas Dinner and now my friend, Darlene, darlenefoster.wordpress.com, has provided us with a recipe for the proper English dessert – Trifle. I know you will enjoy reading Darlene’s story about this recipe. I think it is one many of us can relate to.

A HUSBAND FOR A RECIPE


Coming from a German Canadian family, I had never had a sherry trifle before I travelled to England to meet my man’s family. It was during the Christmas season, so I was served trifle a number of times. I loved it! I asked for the recipe but was told in no uncertain terms that it was a family recipe and it was only shared amongst family. While there, we got married and everyone said I married Paul in order to get the family trifle recipe. It has been a topic of amusement for the past 44 years.
Since then I changed it somewhat to make it my own. My German Canadian family expects it every Christmas, my dad always asked for seconds. I’m not giving away any family secrets by sharing my recipe, besides my son is already married.


Darlene’s Trifle Recipe
Jelly rolls (Swiss rolls)
1 – 2 tablespoons of sweet sherry
I can of fruit cocktail
Canned mandarins
Other fresh fruit if desired
1 Package of strawberry or raspberry Jell-O (jelly powder)
Bird’s custard powder
Sugar
Milk
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Line a clear glass bowl with slices of jelly roll covering the bottom and partially up the sides.
Sprinkle with sherry to soak the rolls
Drain the fruit cocktail and mandarins, arrange on top of jelly rolls
Add more fruit if desired. I often slice a banana, add fresh strawberries or sprinkle a few blueberries. Whatever you prefer and whatever is available.
Prepare the Jell-O as instructed, I often use the juice from the fruit as part of the liquid.
Pour Jello-O over the fruit and rolls. Let it cool and then refrigerate. (I often do this the night before)
Prepare the Birds custard as per package instructions.
Let it cool and thicken somewhat.
Pour custard over the rolls/fruit/Jell-O which should be well set.
Place back in the fridge, cover with wax paper so as not to get a skin on it.
Just before serving, whip cream and arrange on top. Top with chocolate shavings or decorate with pieces of fruit such as strawberries or mandarin slices. Use your imagination. When the children were little I often decorated the top with Christmas figures.
The layers in the glass bowl look very pretty and festive. Make sure you take a picture before serving. Of course you can eat it any time of the year!
Note: Amounts can vary depending on the size of the bowl and how many people will be sharing it. No matter what, there is never enough!
Darlene Foster
http://www.darlenefoster.ca

72 responses to “ENGLISH TRIFLE – A Husband for a Recipe”

  1. marymtf – I took a writing course when I was, well let’s put it this way, I was past my prime. What I discovered was that not everyone can write novels and even fewer people get the chance to have them published. And, too, I discovered that while taking a writing course enhances the skills you already have and teaches you some necessary techniques it does not necessarily make you a writer I can’t write novels but I do write articles; many have been published. I am trying to expand my writing horizons a bit but don’t intend to give up writing about my grandchildren. It’s like keeping a journal. .
    marymtf says:

    Haven’t had a trifle in years. Yours looks yummy.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Mary. We have it every Christmas for the past 44 years.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks. I hope you both enjoy it.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      You can make it without but a traditional English trifle has sherry in it. It does make it very nice.

  2. Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen – I'm a writer, cook, gardener, photographer, poet, quilter, and accomplished daydreamer. I'm also a wife, mother, grandmother, sister. cousin, aunt, and friend, no particular order on any given day. I've been a writer all my life, newspaper reporter and columnist, radio news writer, and magazine contributor, and poet and short-story writer as the spirit moves. Now, I turn my attention to my cookbook, the blog, and a cooking column "Memorable Meals," which runs in our county newspaper. Besides my family, I love dogs, cats, good coffee, chocolate, and my never-dwindling pile of books I intend to read. Our family ran a small Vermont Inn for 18 years, with our focus on local, organic ingredients. I cook from scratch, and try not to use anything that has ingredients I cannot pronounce! After many years of daily serving up local delicacies, cooking classes, and catering, we are now only open for special events, and the odd cooking class. We also host musicians and artists, having helped produce a musical festival and other musical events for nearly 20 years. Many incredible artists have found a place at our table. Wonderful experiences, we will treasure always. My family and friends are my practice subjects. With a family that includes nut, peanut, tree fruit, and vegetable allergies, gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, vegetarians, vegans, heart conscious, and a couple of picky eaters, there has to be a few quick tricks in the book to keep everyone fed and happy! Personally, I do not eat red meat or most full-fat dairy (usually) for health reasons, making the occasional exception at Thanksgiving and Christmas or our anniversary if the duck is locally raised. I do eat fish and seafood, so I try to come up with alternatives and substitutions when available. I serve local organic eggs and cheeses to my family who can tolerate dairy (My husband recently had a heart attack, and I need to watch my own cholesterol so I am careful, but have been known to let a little piece of really good cheese accidentally fall on my plate!). I believe strongly that eating in a way that is good for our planet is also good for our bodies, and I try to educated myself about our food sources! I cook by the seasons and draw on inspiration from the strong and talented women in my family who came before me, as well as the youth in the family who look at the world with fresh eyes. Food links us all, whether sharing a meal, cooking it together, or writing about it for others to enjoy. I love taking an old recipe and giving it a modern spin, especially if I can make it a littler healthier and use foods that are kinder to the Earth and to our bodies. I believe strongly in sustainable, delicious eating of whole foods, and the wonderful flavors we have at our fingertips! And finally, I love conversing with all the talented cooks and chefs out there who dot the globe! It's a wonderful, world full of culinary pen pals, and I cherish them all! XXXOOO Dorothy
    Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen says:

    This is an interesting take on a trifle! Never had one with jello. Love the sherry flavor!

      • Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen – I'm a writer, cook, gardener, photographer, poet, quilter, and accomplished daydreamer. I'm also a wife, mother, grandmother, sister. cousin, aunt, and friend, no particular order on any given day. I've been a writer all my life, newspaper reporter and columnist, radio news writer, and magazine contributor, and poet and short-story writer as the spirit moves. Now, I turn my attention to my cookbook, the blog, and a cooking column "Memorable Meals," which runs in our county newspaper. Besides my family, I love dogs, cats, good coffee, chocolate, and my never-dwindling pile of books I intend to read. Our family ran a small Vermont Inn for 18 years, with our focus on local, organic ingredients. I cook from scratch, and try not to use anything that has ingredients I cannot pronounce! After many years of daily serving up local delicacies, cooking classes, and catering, we are now only open for special events, and the odd cooking class. We also host musicians and artists, having helped produce a musical festival and other musical events for nearly 20 years. Many incredible artists have found a place at our table. Wonderful experiences, we will treasure always. My family and friends are my practice subjects. With a family that includes nut, peanut, tree fruit, and vegetable allergies, gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, vegetarians, vegans, heart conscious, and a couple of picky eaters, there has to be a few quick tricks in the book to keep everyone fed and happy! Personally, I do not eat red meat or most full-fat dairy (usually) for health reasons, making the occasional exception at Thanksgiving and Christmas or our anniversary if the duck is locally raised. I do eat fish and seafood, so I try to come up with alternatives and substitutions when available. I serve local organic eggs and cheeses to my family who can tolerate dairy (My husband recently had a heart attack, and I need to watch my own cholesterol so I am careful, but have been known to let a little piece of really good cheese accidentally fall on my plate!). I believe strongly that eating in a way that is good for our planet is also good for our bodies, and I try to educated myself about our food sources! I cook by the seasons and draw on inspiration from the strong and talented women in my family who came before me, as well as the youth in the family who look at the world with fresh eyes. Food links us all, whether sharing a meal, cooking it together, or writing about it for others to enjoy. I love taking an old recipe and giving it a modern spin, especially if I can make it a littler healthier and use foods that are kinder to the Earth and to our bodies. I believe strongly in sustainable, delicious eating of whole foods, and the wonderful flavors we have at our fingertips! And finally, I love conversing with all the talented cooks and chefs out there who dot the globe! It's a wonderful, world full of culinary pen pals, and I cherish them all! XXXOOO Dorothy
        Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen says:

        That’s what counts!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Dorothy. Hope you get a chance to try it.

  3. Jacqui Murray – Laguna Hills, CA. – Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Savage Land.
    Jacqui Murray says:

    The Jell-o makes it a little different than what I expected. Intriguing!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Jacqui. It is a nice way to end a Christmas dinner, and not to much work as it can be made ahead.

  4. sammee44 – Victoria, BC – I am a West Coast Reader and Writer who enjoys the big and little things in Life. My philosophy is–if you don't enjoy those precious moments and savour the joy, then how can you appreciate the little things that crosses your daily path?
    sammee44 says:

    Definitely trying this one over the Holidays! Thank you Bernadette and Darlene.

  5. Clive – A Man of Kent, long exiled in Essex. I retired in September 2013 and life is generally good. Started the blog for mental health, which is still an important theme for me, but lately I seem to have become a blog DJ 😊🤘
    Clive says:

    An interesting take on the English Christmas dinner, Bernadette. Rib roast? Nope, it has always been Turkey for us! Followed by Christmas Pudding, though a trifle has been known to sneak onto the Christmas Eve menu. Darlene’s is a good recipe 😊

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Happy to have your approval of my recipe, Clive. We always have it as the dessert for Christmas dinner as it isn’t too heavy. But we also have one, that we don’t have to share, on New Year’s Eve.

  6. joylennick – Costa Blanca, Spain – I'm 'young/ancient,' writing's in my blood, have had same husband for 68.. blessed years; three worthy sons. Love most aspects of life, especially nature, music, animals, travel and the arts. Am fascinated by people and what makes them tick! Into poetry, article writing/short stories, and am awaiting publication of my 6th book by QGS Publishing. . Regard humour as a life-line. Humanist.PS 2021 – Now on 10th book,retired in Spain (British) awaiting publication .The Dobrowski Portrait.https:joylennick.wordpress.com/
    joylennick says:

    Well done, Darlene! My paternal grandmother Rose made a fabulous trifle with clotted

    cream and almonds on the top (and cherries of course!) Mum also made it like yours. We had it at every birthday party and Christmas too. Cheers! x

  7. What a catchy title, and I use the word “catchy” facetiously.. “Trifles” sound very English, so I don’t remember eating one. You know I like to try new recipes; yours sound like a wonderful one!

  8. joylennick – Costa Blanca, Spain – I'm 'young/ancient,' writing's in my blood, have had same husband for 68.. blessed years; three worthy sons. Love most aspects of life, especially nature, music, animals, travel and the arts. Am fascinated by people and what makes them tick! Into poetry, article writing/short stories, and am awaiting publication of my 6th book by QGS Publishing. . Regard humour as a life-line. Humanist.PS 2021 – Now on 10th book,retired in Spain (British) awaiting publication .The Dobrowski Portrait.https:joylennick.wordpress.com/
    joylennick says:

    Hi Darlene, Well done you!. An old favourite in our family. My paternal grandmother Rose made a fab. one with clotted cream and almonds, and Mum made a mean one too. Cheers! x

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Clotted cream and almonds would be good too. I’m sure your mom’s was great!

  9. Kirt D Tisdale – San Diego – Growing up in an artistic family, I found my venue was photography. In college I was able to work with equipment that I would not have had the chance to work with on my own, from the camera equipment to a dark room (yes, that was the era of film). Over the years and with the onset of the digital age, I have been able to augment my photography with painting, turning my photographs into oils and watercolors. Over the years, I have amassed a portfolio that has been enjoyed by family and friends. I have done a number of commercial and private projects utilizing whatever concept the buyer has given me and turned their walls into "Wall Galleries". I have been married for 46 years and my wife and I have raised three incredible daughters. Please check out my online art gallery: https://thewallgallery.com and my facebook page: www.facebook.com/TheWallGallery.KirtTisdale
    Kirt D Tisdale says:

    As a husband I say….looks awesome!! I’m passing the recipe onto my wife…thanks Darlene and Bernadette for sharing!!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Kirt. Let me know what you think of it if you try it.

  10. Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe, Darlene and thanks for hosting her, Bernadette!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks so much. Is there a special dessert your family likes for Christmas?

      • Just Christmas cookies – I make pizzelles which are everyone’s favorites!

      • Hi Darlene – I thought I replied to this, I think I tried doing it from my phone…it must not have gone through. Yes, we mostly make cookies, especially pizzelles, which I will be making tomorrow morning before work 🙂

  11. Miriam Hurdle – California, USA – Miriam Hurdle grew up in Hong Kong where she went to college and worked for five years before coming to the United States. While in Hong Kong, she taught Chinese as a Second Language at Hong Kong Baptist University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong for three years. She was also the Director of the Children’s Department at the Asian Outreach where she published four Chinese Children’s books. Miriam Hurdle came to the United States for her graduate studies. She received her master’s degrees in Christian Ministry from Portland Seminary, Counseling from Seattle Pacific University, and Education Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. After teaching in a California public school for fifteen years, she was promoted to a school district administrative position. She went on to do the postgraduate studies and earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from La Verne University in California. Dr. Hurdle continued in her administrative position for ten years before her retirement. In her retired life, Dr. Hurdle enjoys doing volunteer counseling, reading, writing, blogging, singing, drawing, watercolor painting, gardening, photographing, and traveling. Dr. Hurdle is married to Lynton Hurdle and has one married daughter and one granddaughter.
    Miriam Hurdle says:

    Your trifle looks delicious, Darlene. I have to try it this Christmas. Thank you for sharing, Bernadette.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks Miriam. I hope you and your family enjoy it.

  12. CarolCooks2 – Udon Thani – Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them. I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling. Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing. This is now taking me into other areas like deforestation, chemicals and preservatives in the food chain. Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
    CarolCooks2 says:

    This is just how my mother used to make her trifle…A great British Christmas tradition 🙂 x

      • CarolCooks2 – Udon Thani – Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them. I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling. Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing. This is now taking me into other areas like deforestation, chemicals and preservatives in the food chain. Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
        CarolCooks2 says:

        Always a pleasure and good recipes.. 😀 x

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      It was certainly worth marrying in to the family for. I’m sure yoyr moms was wonderful.

      • CarolCooks2 – Udon Thani – Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them. I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling. Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing. This is now taking me into other areas like deforestation, chemicals and preservatives in the food chain. Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
        CarolCooks2 says:

        It was, Darlene although I don’t like sherry in mine.. So she had to make two…. 😀 x

  13. V.M.Sang – UK – I was born and educated in the north west of England. I trained as a teacher in Manchester and taught in Salford, Lancashire, Hampshire and Croydon. I write fantasy novels currently. I also make cards, knit, crochet, tat, do cross stitch and paint. I enjoy walking on the Downs, cycling and kayaking. I do not enjoy housework, but like cooking.
    V.M.Sang says:

    My Mum made a wonderful trifle, but never used jelly. Sherry and fruit, yes. She claimed she was once told by a chef that a trifle should not have jelly.
    When I was little, the primary school I went to made a trifle as a treat for someone’s birthday. They put jelly over the sponge and I hated it. I wanted to keep my birthday a secret so they wouldn’t make a trifle! I think sponge soaked in jelly is horrid, so I follow my Mum’s advice and never use jelly. It’s the texture that is all wrong with jelly soaked sponge, in my opinion.
    I also soak the sponge in the juice from a can of strawberries or raspberries then add the sherry (if I’m using it).

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Every family recipe is different and its what you are used to I imagine. To date, no one has disliked my trifle!

  14. joylennick – Costa Blanca, Spain – I'm 'young/ancient,' writing's in my blood, have had same husband for 68.. blessed years; three worthy sons. Love most aspects of life, especially nature, music, animals, travel and the arts. Am fascinated by people and what makes them tick! Into poetry, article writing/short stories, and am awaiting publication of my 6th book by QGS Publishing. . Regard humour as a life-line. Humanist.PS 2021 – Now on 10th book,retired in Spain (British) awaiting publication .The Dobrowski Portrait.https:joylennick.wordpress.com/
    joylennick says:

    Thank you for reading my post, Bernadette (what a lovely name!) I’m pleased to ‘meet’ you. From your photograph, you have the look of a very pleasant, attractive and competent cook/chef – which I’m sure you are. I’m now quite ancient and my husband has taken over the role of cook, bless him – although he’s even older….I used to love cooking for him and our three, hungry, sons. (I noticed you have three too…) and tried all sorts of recipes out over the years. Although my appetite is not what it was, I still love to indulge….Have a lovely Christmas. Cheers!

    • Thank you for this lovely note. After I looked at your block I knew I had to get to know you better. And now I know that is true. Here is to 2022 and continuing to explore new friends.

  15. My dad loves trifle, Darlene. I think I might make this for him for Christmas Eve.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      That just might make a nice treat for him. I made it for my dad the last Christmas he was with us, and he asked for a second helping. A nice memory for me.

  16. Marje @ Kyrosmagica – Hi. Welcome to my blog: M J Mallon – Kyrosmagica Publishing. A blog about magic, books, writing, laughter, and much more! I'm a YA fantasy author, poet and reviewer. My first YA fantasy novel The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone is set in Cambridge and Book 2 – Golden Healer is now out too. As well as this, I have contributed to several anthologies, created my own with some amazing international writers, bloggers and creatives during the pandemic: This Is Lockdown and written two poetry collections: Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity & Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose. I write book reviews on my blog and on Goodreads, book bub and on my bookstagram. I have a penchant for travel and have relatives in far flung places, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, (my birthplace.) I grew up in in Bonnie Scotland, in Edinburgh, and now live in Cambridge. I love sunny, hot places, particularly Rome, Venice, Portugal, Barcelona, and I forgot to mention the sun drenched beaches of the Caribbean, how could I? I am lucky to have been blessed with two lovely daughters and a husband who I fondly refer to in this blog as my black sheep. Family joke! With my passion for travel, culture, beautiful beaches, good food, books, theatre, writing, and humour, I hope to keep you entertained. I'm loving every minute of this creative journey, please join me.
    Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:

    This reminds me of my mum’s great trifle. Always loved it! Great recipe and background story Darlene x

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Marje! I’m sure yoru mom’s trifle was delicious.

      • Marje @ Kyrosmagica – Hi. Welcome to my blog: M J Mallon – Kyrosmagica Publishing. A blog about magic, books, writing, laughter, and much more! I'm a YA fantasy author, poet and reviewer. My first YA fantasy novel The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone is set in Cambridge and Book 2 – Golden Healer is now out too. As well as this, I have contributed to several anthologies, created my own with some amazing international writers, bloggers and creatives during the pandemic: This Is Lockdown and written two poetry collections: Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity & Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose. I write book reviews on my blog and on Goodreads, book bub and on my bookstagram. I have a penchant for travel and have relatives in far flung places, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, (my birthplace.) I grew up in in Bonnie Scotland, in Edinburgh, and now live in Cambridge. I love sunny, hot places, particularly Rome, Venice, Portugal, Barcelona, and I forgot to mention the sun drenched beaches of the Caribbean, how could I? I am lucky to have been blessed with two lovely daughters and a husband who I fondly refer to in this blog as my black sheep. Family joke! With my passion for travel, culture, beautiful beaches, good food, books, theatre, writing, and humour, I hope to keep you entertained. I'm loving every minute of this creative journey, please join me.
        Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:

        Yes shes an amazing cook! I alwats wonderes if hubby married me influenced by my mum’s cooking. Lol

      • Marje @ Kyrosmagica – Hi. Welcome to my blog: M J Mallon – Kyrosmagica Publishing. A blog about magic, books, writing, laughter, and much more! I'm a YA fantasy author, poet and reviewer. My first YA fantasy novel The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone is set in Cambridge and Book 2 – Golden Healer is now out too. As well as this, I have contributed to several anthologies, created my own with some amazing international writers, bloggers and creatives during the pandemic: This Is Lockdown and written two poetry collections: Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity & Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose. I write book reviews on my blog and on Goodreads, book bub and on my bookstagram. I have a penchant for travel and have relatives in far flung places, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, (my birthplace.) I grew up in in Bonnie Scotland, in Edinburgh, and now live in Cambridge. I love sunny, hot places, particularly Rome, Venice, Portugal, Barcelona, and I forgot to mention the sun drenched beaches of the Caribbean, how could I? I am lucky to have been blessed with two lovely daughters and a husband who I fondly refer to in this blog as my black sheep. Family joke! With my passion for travel, culture, beautiful beaches, good food, books, theatre, writing, and humour, I hope to keep you entertained. I'm loving every minute of this creative journey, please join me.
        Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:

        Lol, Bernadette these men! I do love a plate of lasagne too.

  17. Diane – Canada – Diane is growing up on the wild shores of the Atlantic Ocean, where every day she aspires to be better than yesterday.
    Diane says:

    I’ve never had trifle. Sounds delicious. And the story about the recipe for a husband is sweet. Like dessert.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Diane!

  18. Christa Polkinhorn – Born and raised in Switzerland, I have always had a desire to explore the world outside of my beautiful but tiny country. As a young woman, I traveled through Europe, came to the United States on an exchange program, and ended up staying. My travels led me to China and Japan as well as South America. I studied literature and linguistics in Zurich and California. Now, I live and work as writer and translator in southern California and divide my time between the United States and my native Switzerland. The tension and excitement this "double life" creates informs my literary work. Most of my novels take place in several countries. Aside from writing and traveling, I am an avid reader, a lover of the arts and dark chocolate.
    Christa Polkinhorn says:

    This sounds yummy, Darlene!

  19. Christa Polkinhorn – Born and raised in Switzerland, I have always had a desire to explore the world outside of my beautiful but tiny country. As a young woman, I traveled through Europe, came to the United States on an exchange program, and ended up staying. My travels led me to China and Japan as well as South America. I studied literature and linguistics in Zurich and California. Now, I live and work as writer and translator in southern California and divide my time between the United States and my native Switzerland. The tension and excitement this "double life" creates informs my literary work. Most of my novels take place in several countries. Aside from writing and traveling, I am an avid reader, a lover of the arts and dark chocolate.
    Christa Polkinhorn says:

    Absolutely yummy!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Christa!

  20. I’ve never heard of a sherry trifle. I’m not a spring chicken, and look at what I’ve missed all these years! Yummy, yummy, Darlene. Luckily you made a good choice of husband while getting the recipe. 🙂

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Yes, it all worked out well. 44 years later we are still sharing trifle at Christmas.

      • And that’s no trifling matter!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks so much. About to make it again in a few days!

  21. D. Wallace Peach – 30 Miles beyond the edge of civilization, Oregon – I'm an adventurer in writing, peering under rocks in my garden for secret magic. I can't stop writing. My stories want to explode from my head. They demand my attention and surge from my fingertips faster than I can put them to paper. I love what I do.
    D. Wallace Peach says:

    Ha ha. I love that story. Of course, you married for the recipe, Darlene. And what a wonderful Christmas tradition. Thanks for sharing, Bernadette. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you both!

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      Thanks, Diana! Glad you enjoyed my story. Have a fabulous Christmas. xo

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