Take A Bite Of: Strawberry Zinfandel Trifle

Its holiday party season...and you want something pretty (and easy) to present. Here is a gorgeous no-bake option. I saw this picture months ago on my friend Simone's blog and thought it would be perfect for December dessert rotation. This serves 10-12. Buon Appetito!

Strawberry Zinfandel Trifle
Prep and Cook Time: about 20 minutes, plus at least 1 hour to cool and 2 hours to chill.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups dry red Zinfandel
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 quart sliced strawberries
1 plain (or lemon-flavored pound cake) (1 lb.)
2 c. whipping cream
Several whole strawberries, rinsed

Directions
1. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring wine and 1/3 cup sugar to a boil. Boil until reduced to 1 cup, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sliced strawberries. Let cool about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

2. Cut cake into 1/2-inch-thick slices, then into 1 1/2- by 2-inch pieces.

3. In a bowl, with a mixer on high, beat cream and remaining sugar until soft peaks form.

4. Arrange a third of the cake in the bottom of a 2 1/2- to 3-quart straight-sided glass dish. Spoon a third of the sliced berries and wine over the top. Spread about a third of the whipped cream over berries. Repeat layers twice, ending with cream.

5. Cover trifle loosely and chill at least 2 hours or up to 1 day. Garnish with whole berries. Scoop down into layers to serve.