Summertime Aperol & Orange Trifle

Few flavours say 'summer in a glass' as beautifully as Aperol. The uniquely refreshing, citrus-forward drink has a zesty citrus aroma with complex herbal scents, with just a touch of vanilla beneath. The bitter herbaceousness of Aperol makes it the perfect addition to the richness of trifle, providing a counterpoint to the sweetness of the mascarpone and custard

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups custard

• 8-10 lady finger sponge biscuits or biscotti

•  1½ cups apricot jam

• ½ cup Aperol

•  250gms mascarpone

•  2-3 fresh oranges, zested first then peeled and sliced 

• Fresh pomegranate seeds

• Freeze-dried blood orange slices or fresh edible petals, to serve

METHOD

Whizz biscuits into fine crumbs. Add the Aperol and apricot jam and mix well. Combine mascarpone and 1 tablespoon orange zest.

Layer serving glasses starting with custard, followed by a layer of Aperol jam. Mix gently, then create the next layer with pieces of crunchy biscuit.

Next, add a layer of custard and sliced tangy oranges, and add a swirl of orange-scented mascarpone. Follow with another layer of Aperol jam, allowing it to flow through the layers.

Garnish with a dollop of mascarpone, a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and crushed freeze-dried blood orange slices or edible petals