Russian Cake (Creole Trifle) This cake (or, perhaps, the name for the cake) dates back to 1872, when the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras. The trifle is made with leftover pieces of cake, pie crust, muffins and cookies which are moistened (in this recipe, with seedless raspberry jam, anise flavoring and rum). I remember getting this cake at Mr. Lawrence’s Bakery, but other bakeries probably had it, too. It’s very rich – and very heavy to lift! Needless to say, if you follow the spirit of the recipe (adding leftover pieces of whatever’s handy), the taste will vary. But it will always be good! 6-8 cups of diced cake pieces 1 box yellow or white cake mix (plus ingredients needed to bake this; will vary from brand to brand) 8 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam 1 to 1-1/2 cups white rum (will depend on amount of cake pieces); rum flavoring may be substitued—probably a tablespoon, but you’ll have to experiment. 1 teaspoon anise flavor (look for the real stuff) red food coloring (just in case, my jam wasn’t red enough) pre-made (or homemade) buttercream frosting colored sprinkles (the spherical kind) Mix rum, anise, jam and (optionally) the food color with a wire whisk until everything is well integrated; the alcohol in the rum helps dissolve the jam quickly so it shouldn’t be more than 30 seconds. Pour evenly over your cake pieces and place bowl in fridge for a few hours or overnight (covered). The more cake pieces you use for the inside, the heavier the cake will be. When ready to assemble cake, bake your boxed cake according to instructions in a 9-inch cake pan. When cool, split the cake evenly down the middle. Place one half in a 9-inch springform pan and fill with soaked cake pieces. Place top layer over filling and cover with plastic wrap, the plastic touching the top of the cake. Place a pan with weights of some kind on top. Refrigerate overnight. Frost the top and cover with sprinkles. ================================================================ Chef Emeril Lagasse's Creole Trifle For the Macaroons (Makes 6 dozen) 10 2/3 cups sweetened flaked coconut (two 14 ounce bags) 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Two 14 ounce cans sweetened condensed milk For the Filling (Makes 8 cups) 1 quart milk 2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 10 large egg yolks, beaten 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup cold water 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut 2 tablespoons unsalted butter To assemble the trifle 1 quart heavy cream 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 cup Grand Marnier or other orange flavored liqueur 6 pints fresh raspberries, rinsed and patted dry Note: Make the macaroons in advance, as they have to sit out for about 12 hours to dry. Directions Make the Macaroons Preheat Oven To 350 degrees F. 2. Thoroughly combine the coconut, vanilla, and condensed milk in a large mixing bowl. Spoon the mixture, by tablespoon, onto parchment- or waxed paper - lined baking sheets about ´ inch apart. 3. Bake until lightly toasted and golden about 15 minutes. 4. Removed the macaroons from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Let cool completely. Leave them out, lightly covered with parchment or waxed paper, for about 12 hours. Make the Filling 1. Combine the milk, sugar and vanilla in a large heavy-bottomed or nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk to dissolve the sugar. When the mixture comes to a gentle boil or simmer after about 5 minutes, take 1 cup of the milk-and-sugar mixture and add it to the yolks. Whisk to blend well. 2. Slowly add the yolks to the milk-and-sugar mixture in the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly, 4 to 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Over medium heat, slowly add this mixture tot he saucepan, whisking constantly for 1 minute. Using a wooden spoon, continued stirring for about 2 minutes. 3. Add the coconut and continue the stirring for 2 more minutes. Add the butter and stir until it is completely melted and the mixture has thickened to a custard, about 2 minutes. Pour the mixture into a glass bowl. Cover the plastic wrap, pressing the wrap down on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Cool completely and chill for at least 4 hours. Make the Trifle 1. Beat the cream with an electric mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is thick and forms soft peaks, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside. 2. Beat the coconut cream with a wire whisk until it is smooth. Set aside. 3. Pour the Grand Marnier into a small bowl. Dip each macaroon in the liqueur, submerging for 2 to 3 seconds, then transfer them to a sheet of parchment or waxed paper. 4. Spread 1 cup of the coconut cream filling on the bottom of a large, deep glass trifle bowl. 5. Top the cream filling with 8 to 10 macaroons, placing them snugly against each other. 6. Arrange 2 pints of the raspberries on top of the macaroons. Spread 2 cups of the coconut cream on top of the raspberries. Top with more macaroons, then 2 pints of raspberries. Spread another 2 cups of the coconut cream and top with the remaining macaroons and raspberries. Spread the remaining coconut cream on top of the raspberries. Mound the whipped cream evenly over the top. Serve immediately or keep chilled. .