There are times when one can feel really uncertain about things in life. No matter how much you try, or how much effort you put into something, it's very frustrating to know that there isn't a definite answer or at least, nothing to give you some kind of temporary assurance. When bombs like this explodes, I hide in my kitchen.
I probably mentioned this before somewhere but the kitchen is truly where healing really begins. I guess it's because not only it's banged with food that gives one the feeling of security and abundance(think disasters and shelters) but also your mind tend to take a break from all the nervous breakdown and just concentrate on whatever your hand is working on. Be it stirring a pot, kneading a dough or folding a batter, suddenly the brain just KIV whatever that has been on the mind. You are not aware that you are not thinking bout your problems, and the best thing is you are not even wary that you are beginning to feel better.
No matter how hard life has been on you, no matter how insecure or unsure you are bout things, you can definitely be sure that mixing some yolks and sugar and chocolate will definitely give you custard. This is not just any boring old fashioned plain O' custard, but something thick and luscious and so intensely chocolaty, that you can pour over some Irish cream soaked chocolate sponges and fruits. Top with some freshly whipped cream and leave it to chill completely, and pass off as a trifle. Or even better, birthday trifle.
So it's a Friday night alone in my comforting kitchen, happily cooking away with wine in hand and alcohol soaked desserts and a birthday party to look forward to tomorrow. The heck with calories and fats. I got a birthday boy to celebrate and a soul in need of some top class comfort.
Note: There isn't a solid recipe because this is something I always whip up whenever I am asked to bring pudding to a party. Anyway just use whatever feels right and do whatever you feel like. Its your own bloody kitchen, no one's gonna say no.
My Irish Cream Chocolate Trifle
1 loaf of chocolate cake (store bought cake is fine, Victoria, pound or sponge. Whatever that's your liking although I prefer to make my own chocolate Victoria sponge)
3/4 cup Good strong coffee, warm
3/4 cup of Baileys Irish Cream
2 tbsp vanilla extract (Again, I made my own by soaking some vanilla pods in vodka but feel free to use store bought)
Chocolate Custard from
Nigella's Chocolate Cherry Trifle recipe. I pretty much follow everything there except that I added in a pinch of salt and steeped the cream and milk with the vanilla for about 20 minutes before heating it up. Once custard is made leave to cool completely before assembling.
Fruits of your choice (In this case it's strawberries and blueberries)
600ml Heavy Cream
Dark chocolate, to shave on top
Firstly mix the coffee, baileys and vanilla together in a bowl and slice up the loaf cake. Arrange the slices onto your serving dish/container, making sure that there is no gaps in between. Pour the coffee and Baileys mixture over, making sure that every slice of cake has drink up the liquid. Squish and squash if you must to make sure there is no holes and gaps in between, but do not press down the cake layer.
Next cut up the fruits and spread over the cake layer. I usually cut them up into chunks and sometimes even soak the fruits (especially berries) in some pomegranate juice to spruce up a little, although this step is entirely optional.
Then, make sure the custard is completely cooled to room temperature before pouring over the fruits and cake layer. Should there be fruits peeking out at the side, leave it as I think it's aesthetically enticing. But if the OCD in you can't handle that then fine you may tuck in the fruit to create the parallel layering effect. Shake the dish/container a little to make sure that the custard runs into all gaps and smooths out, then cover the dish/container with a clingwrap and leave to set in the fridge, preferably overnight or at least 4 hours.
Just before serving, whip up the cream and top over the custard layer. You may use a spoon to create some swirl if you like, or shave a bit of dark chocolate on top or even just cocoa powder. It's entirely up to you.
And there, have fun licking the bowl on the kitchen floor :)
