Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 (16-oz.) frozen pound cake, thawed
  • 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks
  • Garnishes: fresh rosemary sprigs, white chocolate curls

Method

  • Bring first 3 ingredients to a simmer in a saucepan, and cook, stirring occasionally, 6 minutes or until sugar dissolves and orange juice is reduced by half.
  • Remove from heat, and cool 15 minutes. Cover and chill until ready to use, or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
  • Whisk together milk and next 3 ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat, and cook, whisking occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk together egg yolks and next 2 ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually whisk 1/2 cup milk mixture into egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly until smooth. Pour yolk mixture into warm milk mixture in pan, whisking until blended. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
  • Transfer to a bowl, and place plastic wrap directly on mixture (to prevent film from forming). Chill 30 minutes to 3 days.
  • Cut pound cake into 1-inch cubes. Layer one-third cake cubes in a 5-qt. trifle dish. Top with one-third each orange pastry cream, cranberry mixture, and whipped cream. Repeat layers twice. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 24 hours.
  • Note: We tested with Sara Lee All Butter Pound Cake.