Old English Trifle

Directions

• In a small heavy saucepan, whisk egg yolks and sugar until blended. Stir in 1-3/4 cups cream. Cook over low heat about x-x minutes or until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160°, stirring constantly but gently, about 10 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a bowl. Place bowl in an ice-water bath for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate until cold.
• Place cake cubes and crumbled cookies in a 3-qt. glass bowl. Drizzle with sherry and brandy. Layer the raspberries, strawberries and peaches over crumbled cookies; spoon custard over fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• In a large bowl, beat remaining 1-1/4 cups cream until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon over custard; sprinkle with almonds.