Julianna Deering's Easy English Trifle

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, 2014). She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency. Learn more about Julianna and her books HERE. 

Julianna's latest release: RULES OF MURDER A Drew Farthering Mystery (Release Date:  August 1, 2013 from Bethany House)

Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels.

Soon, financial irregularities at Drew's stepfather's company come to light and it's clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer--and trying harder to impress Madeline--Drew must decide how far to take this game.

Julianna's EASY ENGLISH TRIFLE

I’m sure Kitty at The Rose Garden would have included sponge cake, brandy and custard, but this quick recipe makes a tasty, cool summer treat, no trouble at all.

2 (8 or 9 inch) white cake layers, baked and cooled

2 pints fresh strawberries

¼ cup white sugar

1 pint fresh blueberries

2 bananas

¼ cup orange juice

1 3.5 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cups milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

¼ cup blanched slivered almonds

12 maraschino cherries

Directions

Slice strawberries and sprinkle them with sugar. Cut the bananas into slices and toss with orange juice. Combine pudding mix with milk and mix until smooth. Cut the cake into 1 inch cubes. Use half of the cake cubes to line the bottom of a large glass bowl. Layer half of the strawberries followed by half of the blueberries, and then half of the bananas. Spread half of the pudding over the fruit. Repeat layers in the same order.

In a medium bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks and spread over top of trifle. Garnish with maraschino cherries and slivered almonds.