Screw the cap on that green food colouring tightly — like, really tight. Crazy glue that sucker closed, it’s gross. There are so many other, more authentic ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year… like Irish Whiskey! And why restrain a bevvy as delicious and vibrant as Jameson’s Irish Whiskey to a rocks glass?? Get lucky with this amazing, crowd-pleasing, boozy trifle as the centerpiece of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
I originally posted this trifle recipe in 2011 as a dessert tribute to the late, GREAT Amy Winehouse. Through the years, however, it’s become a party staple for my 18+ crowds. Make ahead of time to allow the flavours of whiskey-soaked cake, raspberries and coffee-infused vanilla pudding to meld together, creating spoonfuls of boozy bliss. All you have to do before serving is whip a little more whiskey into the whipped cream and smother it all over the top of your trifle — some should probably accidentally fall into your mouth as well. Add chocolate shavings and/or green cherries and luck be a trifle tonight!
“St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time, a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.” ~ Adrienne Cook. <- Of all the Irish quotes, blessings and toasts I found, THIS ONE felt the most appropriate on this frigid cold March day.
- 1 jar of raspberry jam
- 1 packet of Jell-O instant vanilla pudding
- 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 banana, sliced (optional)
- 3 quarts fresh raspberries, rinsed well
- 1 golden loaf cake, cut into 1" cubes
- 1 cup whiskey (more if you’re playing the 'some for you, some for me' game with the bowl)
- 2 cups 35% whipping cream
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate shavings
- In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 tsp of coffee granules to the instant pudding powder, 2 cups cold milk and whisk for 2 mins. Place in fridge for about 5 minutes to set.
- Cut pound cake into cubes and lay out on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of whiskey evenly over the cake and toss. Let sit for a minute as the cake absorbs the whiskey.
- Heat jam in heavy small saucepan, or in the microwave for about 40 seconds, until just pourable.
- In a 3-quart trifle bowl or glass bowl, layer some cake > half of the jam > half of the pudding > raspberries > bananas > cake > jam > pudding > raspberries and bananas.
- Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours. (Can be prepared one day ahead.)
- Using a stand or hand mixer, whip the heaving cream, slowly adding 3 tablespoons of whiskey, and beat to firm peaks. Mound whipped cream atop trifle. Garnish with fresh raspberries, green maraschino cherries and chocolate. Chill until ready to serve.
So, with dessert taken care of, let’s think of a few other NATURALLY coloured green foods to celebrate the luck of the Irish with on Monday…
- Peas
- Kiwi
- Kale
- Mint
- Green peppers (Try: chopped lengthwise to mimic clovers)
- Matcha
- Avocado (I’m loving in my deviled eggs)
- Broccoli
- Limes
- Celery
- Cabbage
- Broccoli rabe
- Artichokes
- Green beans
- Arugula
- Nearly all types of lettuce
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
… Just to name a few. Seriously, who needs food colouring??
No matter what (or how much!) your eating or drinking this St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy yourself and the time you spend celebrating with those you care about, or as the ol’ Irish toast goes:
May you have:
A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
and Irish blessings in your heart!
— xxxxx —
What I’m Drinking:
Whiskey and Guinness of course.
What I’m Listening to:
A LOUD mix of Pogues and Dropkick Murphy’s!


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