Tilly's trifle

Method

• step 1

  First, make the jelly. Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water until floppy, then drain. Strain off the juice from the cherries into a jug – you should have around 350-400ml. Put the juice and the redcurrant jelly in a pan, stirring until it boils and the redcurrant jelly has melted. Take off the heat, cool for a few minutes, then stir in the gelatine until it dissolves. Pour into a shallow pan or dish to cool, then chill until set.

• step 2

  For the custard, scrape the vanilla seeds from the pod into a large bowl. Add the egg yolks, caster sugar and the flour, then whisk until pale and creamy. Pour the cream into a medium-size pan and bring just to the boil. Gradually whisk the cream into the yolk mix. Wipe out the pan, then return the mixture to it. Cook slowly over a low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until thickened – take extra care to stir well at the edges of the pan. Leave to cool, stirring every so often.

• step 3

  To assemble the trifle, slice the swiss roll into 8 pieces and arrange on the base and around the inside of a large glass serving bowl. Sprinkle with the sherry, if using.

• step 4

  Turn the jelly out onto a board and chop with a sharp knife. Scatter the drained cherries and chopped jelly on top of the swiss roll, then sprinkle over the crushed amaretti.

• step 5

  Pour the cooled custard over the biscuits, then return to the fridge until cold (about 2 hrs). For the topping, whip the cream to soft peaks with 1 tbsp sugar, then spoon or pipe it over the custard. The trifle can be covered and chilled for up to two days at this point.

• step 6

  To serve, sprinkle over the pistachios and remaining amaretti. Scatter over the sugared cranberries, or if using physalis, push back the leaves and nestle into the cream.