Ever Ready Spring Special

Ernestine Ulmer, writer (1892-1987) 

Cook's notes: Ernestine gets my vote for his bit of wisdom. So I thought I'd tag on to his idea starting my Easter/Spring menu with dessert first.  

Easter/Spring Menu

Mixed Berry Trifle with White Chocolate Almond Mousse

Ham

Maple Roasted Carrot Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing

Asparagus Couscous

Mixed Berry Trifle with White Chocolate Almond Mousse

Cook's notes: This is an original Ever Ready recipe that was served in six small wine glasses. There will be some left over mousse which is a real plus for cook's sampling. I used only 1/3 of a store bought angel food cake and put leftover cake in the freezer.  Chill beaters and bowl in freezer ahead of time. 

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared angel food cake
• 2 cups of mixed berries (diced strawberries, blueberries and raspberries)
• 1-1/4 cups heavy cream, divided
• 4 oz. good quality baking bar white chocolate, chopped in large pieces
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract 
• 3 TB. flaked coconut 
• 3 TB. sliced almond 
• drizzle of Amaretto 

Directions:

• Toast coconut and almonds at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully and stir often. Set aside. Once  cooled mix coconut and almonds together. 
• Place mixed berries in a small bowl and drizzle with Amaretto, stir and let set about 10 minutes.  
• In a small saucepan heat ½ cup cream in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate until melted, then add in almond extract. Whisk to combine. Cool completely about 10 minutes in the freezer and stir once halfway through.
• Whip remaining cream and fold in cooled white chocolate/cream mixture.

To assemble (note there will be two layers)

• Tear cake into small pieces and place few in bottom of glass, add a spoonful of berries and a spoonful of mousse mixture.  Repeat with another layer ending with mousse mixture on top. 
• Refrigerate and to serve sprinkle with coconut/almond mixture.  

Thursday Posting:Maple Roasted Carrot Salad and Asparagus Couscous

Praying
by Mary Oliver

It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.”
― Mary Oliver, Thirst