Trifle

Directions

1. 1
   Toss the sliced strawberries with the sugar, salt, and liqueur and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
2. 2
   Cut the genoise into ladyfinger-sized pieces and nestle them tightly in one layer across the bottom of your serving vessel.
3. 3
   Drain the liquid from the macerated strawberries and pour it over the layer of genoise.
4. 4
   Top the genoise with a thick layer of pastry cream, then top the pastry cream with the strawberries, reserving a few to garnish the top of the trifle.
5. 5
   Beat the cream and vanilla together with a whisk or hand mixer until the cream holds soft peaks.
6. 6
   Spread the whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
7. 7
   Sprinkle the chopped nuts and reserved strawberries over the whipped cream and chill the trifle for 1 to 3 hours.
8. 8
   Garnish with mint leaves just before serving if desired.