Brownie Trifle

1 box fudge brownie mix
2 cups (1 pint) whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or any fruit pie filling
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds

Heat oven. Make brownies as directed. Cool completely.

In medium bowl, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. In small bowl, combine pie filling and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.

Cut brownies into 1-inch pieces. In 3-quart glass (trifle) bowl, layer half of the brownies; top with cherry pie filling and half of the whipped cream. Top with remaining brownies and whipped topping; sprinkle with almonds. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours before serving. Store covered in refrigerator.

Valentine's Day Trifle

1 (7 ounce) package jellyrolls, each cut into thin slices
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/2 cups milk
3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries


Arrange jellyroll slices on sides and bottom of a 2 1/2 quart glass bowl or trifle dish.

Prepare pudding according to box directions, except use only 1 1/2 cups milk; let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping.

Arrange 1/2 strawberries on jellyroll slices; top with pudding, then remaining strawberries and whipped topping. Garnish with strawberry halves, if desired.

Cover and chill for 8 hours; serve.