The Queen of Trifles

Trifles are, as the author of this recipe states, “exceptionally English dishes.” They can seem incoherent, using everything from sponge cake to Jell-O to fruit in all of its fresh and preserved forms. At their worst, they are a horrid concoction of soggy cake, bland fruit, and powdery custard. At their best, they are sublime. This one uses many elements that appear in the background of kitchen scenes at Downton: whipped cream, jam, preserved fruits, and some of the many eggs always ready f