G’day Beach Cottage ladies, howdy, howdy howdy today for a Beach Cottage Too Easy recipe.
If you like cake, cream, sugar and chocolate, make this.
This is, rather than a recipe, a putting it together…as you know I am no dessert maker, but, I do make quite a few sweet things, because, somehow I have ended up with kiddos, who in their roles as offspring, believe that part of the deal, is that not only do I feed them a home-cooked meal with a few homegrown ingredients in there, yes, they also believe that dessert and not the kind that comes out of a packet is included too in this All-Inclusive Deal they call Parenthood.
So, this, for sure, is no culinary masterpiece, but if you are looking for something that is so very easy, dump-able, uses everyday ingredients and at the same time makes you look like you spent hours pulling things together plus tastes good….well, then this is for you.
Best though, you don’t make this for yourself, if you have spent the most part of your week sitting on your derriere reading blogs…this my friend ain’t low in the calories department…if, however, you are treating yourself to a delight in a mason jar, this is so for you.
I first had a version of this when at dinner back in Old Blighty with a girl, I once, in another life, caught the train up from our village to London with…she was a funny thing really…I am not quite sure how we got on…she was kinda prissy and a bit bothered by too much…I would run to the train flustered, having got up late, and she would have a spreadsheet on the train times, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, a few years later when we both had bambinos, I bumped into her again and we met up for playdates and dinner sometimes….this particular night, after a lovely meal she served up little bowls of creamy, cakey fruity stuff topped off with chocolate flake…it was delicious!
She didn’t serve hers in little jars like this, hers were in a champagne glass and not quite so layered as these ones, plus she used tinned fruit not fresh or frozen.
Years later when said offspring kept requesting dessert, one day I wangled together somehow these from what was around in the fridge and they’ve been with us ever since.
Most likely, if you ever come here for dinner, and shock horror, you dont’ bring the dessert with you, this, if you are lucky, will be what you will get.
Throw it all together, sprinkle a lil bit of chocolate on the top and the blog reading past-time you so rudely left in order to make this, is my friend, your oyster.
Beach Cottage Too Easy Layered Raspberry, Cream & Sponge Dessert
1 small maderia or butter cake or a pack of cupcakes (or of course make your own)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
8 tbsp fruit
1 x chocolate Flake or chocolate bar for grating
1. beat the cream cheese until it is soft
2. whip the cream until soft peaks form
3. combine & add the sugar through
4. cut your cake into portions
& layer into the bottom of your jar
5. add a tablespoon of fruit
6. layer on top the cream combo
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
*Beach Cottage Recipe Notes : this is just a guide really, you can use any cream that you have on hand…I have made this with clotted cream (don’t even go there unless you want to seriously get these babies on your thighs), with double cream and I have even, in desperate times squirted in that, ahem, foamy stuff from the can *any fruit will do …if you use frozen & there is a lot of water on it / it has freezer bite the sponge may go a bit soggy…this is not a problem, for me, it might be for you …I have used tinned fruit, peaches are nice….but if you are making this for something special I think fresh soft fruit goes down particularly well * you might want to add more sugar, this is easy on the sugar component, I don’t like it overly sweet… *you can use any chocolate you have floating around…I have grated all sorts of things over this *these are really great to take out with you, I have done this a couple of times when we have been out for special picnics…just make them up and then pop the lid on…too easy
I hope you like it Beach Cottage girls…you said you wanted more recipes…
….thinking the next one may just have to be a little less heavy on the old forty-is-the-new-thirty backside
I love the presentation in the canning jars! So cute and easy to make up a whole bunch for a crowd and stick in the fridge to serve later. Looks yummy, thanks for sharing!
yes I thought they might be in some parts of the world but you can use any choc!
this is Australian flake which tastes a bit different to English flake (Aussie chocolate has a lot of anti-melting stuff in it and has a different flavour)…but it still does the job ok…xx
Its a shame I can’t just reach into the computer and get this, it would go down a treat, even slipped into something more comfy (jog bottom with a loose waist band) then my skinny jeans with hidden muffin top.
Looks lovely, a few crushed meringues would, for me finish it off…..
I’ve got whipping cream at home, berries and that cake can be easily made while the rest of dinner is going. I would give my right apendage for this right now C:
All I can say is it’s a good thing I’ve just brushed my teeth…. or I’d be down in the pantry this instant trying to find things to make this with. I will be keeping it in the back of my mind though… sounds like the perfect summer treat. ❈
I’ve never heard of Cadbury Flake before. I’m going to have to see if I can find it here in the US. I know I can find something else to use instead but I like to try new things, especially new kinds of chocolate.
Sarah, you HAVE to try trifle which is very similar. The ingredients and method are open to your creativity. Flakes are a suitable additional ingredient.
Ingredients
packet of red jelly crystals (I’ve seen premade jelly in the supermarket but haven’t tried it)
packet of jam sponge rollettes OR a jam sponge roll OR a plain bought sponge cut into smallish uniform pieces
sweet sherry-optional (or substitute if preferred)
425g can of peach slices, drained (or any fruit to taste)
600mL carton of custard
300mL carton of cream, whipped
1/2 cup toasted almonds
Method
Set jelly in large clear glass serving bowl in fridge.
Slice cake. Sprinkle with sherry or substitute if desired.
Arrange cake slices in a line around the sides of the bowl and on top of the set jelly.
Add a layer of drained peach slices.
Pour over custard to taste.
Decorate with whipped cream.
Add toasted almonds on top just before serving.
Serve in glass dessert bowls using normal sized dessert spoons or in cocktail glasses using long handled dessert spoons
I think the mason jars are a brilliant idea, especially for those lovely picnics down on the beach that we sea siders are so lucky to have so close. I will definitely be trying this as I’m planning a belated anniversary picnic for me and my hubby in the park where we were married last year.
And yes you’re right we only live once so why not indulge once in a while
Love it! Though berries are quite expensive here, but we have plenty of other fruit like passion fruit, guava and papaya. Perfect aftera day at the beach.
SOunds yummy!! And I will have tons of berries in a about 4 months, I could make this every night. My family would not be upset. lol LOVE easy recipes.
I dont know how to put this but at a certain time of the day after something I feel really hungry. I get hungry for sweet. All I need is a quick fix sweet: Nothing else will do. This is so perfect. I’m trying this.
This looks so good! I love that youput it in the jars and that it is so transportable…. Made the panatonne again (last one in my pantry) especially for my brother…. He gave your recepie an A+++++++++…. He even took the rest home lol… Might try thisone when we go over to his place, I know both he and his wife will love it! Thanks for sharing
Hi Sarah…
Thanks for that recipe..I MADE IT!!!!
We had friends over yesterday for a traditional roastie…and whenever we go to them we get home made puddings…where as usually I buy a nice one from Marks and Sparks. Hubby got made redundant 2 weeks ago, so reining in the belt and saw this on your blog (which I read daily by the way!)….and thought Id go with it. Made them in champagne glasses like your travel friend used to….and added some wafers which I found in the cupboard which you serve with posh coffees after dinner. Looked good stuck (sorry….PLACED artistically) on top of the layers….but as I made them early and put in fridge….the wafers started to unravel hahahaha….but I magaged to squeeze them back in shape (but they were soft…so MISTAKE..put the wafers in at the last minute before serving!!!). I dont think anyone noticed despite my hubby saying ‘Whats happened to the wafers?’ and me kicking his shins underneath the table…… anyway all went well and they were DELISH!!!!! I used mixed frozen summer fruits and the cream combo was gorgeous…loved licking out the bowl-…ahem..I mean my 4 year old LOVED licking out the bowl. Thanks for sharing Sarah xxx
G'day! I'm Sarah, I live in a tatty old cottage, near the sea in Australia with a battered old deck & a big old fig tree out the back...stripped wooden floors, old sash windows & a jumble of vintage furniture. [Read More …]
Helloooo lovely Beach Cottage ladies, some blog tips for real girls from this old cottage broadcasting from deep Down Under this morning. Now, I love blogging, I think that is pretty much obvious now for sure, for me it has opened up a world of opportunities that simply were not available in any shape [...]
G'day ladies, let's have a Too Easy Beach Cottage recipe yeah? The original place for Too Easy Recipes on the web ;-)
So, after my last salad went down a storm in my inbox, that's here if you missed it, I had to do this one seeing as I make it most weeks.
There is a problem with this salad and kiddos though...it looks, well, it looks, kinda yucky...but once they try it, they'll ask if and when they are next having it....at least that's what happens in this ratty old cottage...but I must interject here that my kiddos are 'good eaters'? ...they didn't get a choice in that ;-)
Now, stop, don't start running and hitting that next on your blog reading list, pulses are your best friend in the Too Easy Dump & Go kitchen for the busy mum, or busy anyone for that matter...that reminds me I must blog the garlic canneloni Go To for when you forgot to do dinner, feel like a bath but have three ravenous young Beach Cottage Kiddos on your hands...another day.
I am almost embarrassed to tell you how easy this is, we have it so much that I always have a couple, make that six, cans of lentils around and a jar of goat's cheese in the fridge...the great thing about this is that it's all too easy to get ready in just a few minutes, but it looks, tastes and seems like you did oh so very much more than that.
You can obviously too change it up a bit depending on what you have to hand in your kitchen, and I must say that is how I settled on this version...because one day when I made it I didn't have enough Parsley in the garden and so I chucked in some basil too, and liked the Summer feel it added.
I think of this as being a rather posh salad, not sure why, because it couldn't really be further from the truth...the great thing is that it works so well for an average run of the mill day, (when I did this for this blog post, it was a hot Sydney Sunday and I did it just simply to go with Rosemary & Garlic stuffed pork, you can see that pork here),
...but just as easily it works on a regular old Wednesday night when you have lost all enthusiasm for rustling up yet another meal, or indeed on Saturday night, when your friends are on their way over for dinner and you my friend, are in your new vintage inspired clawfoot bathtub (that's me in a few weeks time, k?) without any clothes on, a tipple and no idea what to cook for dinner...
I have a complicated and ever-changing relationship with goat's cheese...it never fails me in its performance and it never fails to impress me (you can find out a bit more on what I like in food here if you like) and I kinda collect it...because it's very easy to collect and has a fairly long fridge-life, I love trying out different ones and there's not many things I love more than goat's cheese on sourdough...but I think the best thing about it is not thinking about it exclusively in the toast/salad department...I've stuffed it in chicken and all sorts of things as a last minute and it's been fab.
But let's get down to the nitty gritty of this super salad that makes you look like an angel who has been on her knees all day scrubbing the front step when really you are in the digital world and spent most of ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, howdy, howdy howdy today for a Beach Cottage Too Easy recipe.
If you like cake, cream, sugar and chocolate, make this.
This is, rather than a recipe, a putting it together...as you know I am no dessert maker, but, I do make quite a few sweet things, because, somehow I have ended up with kiddos, who in their roles as offspring, believe that part of the deal, is that not only do I feed them a home-cooked meal with a few homegrown ingredients in there, yes, they also believe that dessert and not the kind that comes out of a packet is included too in this All-Inclusive Deal they call Parenthood.
So, this, for sure, is no culinary masterpiece, but if you are looking for something that is so very easy, dump-able, uses everyday ingredients and at the same time makes you look like you spent hours pulling things together plus tastes good....well, then this is for you.
Best though, you don't make this for yourself, if you have spent the most part of your week sitting on your derriere reading blogs...this my friend ain't low in the calories department...if, however, you are treating yourself to a delight in a mason jar, this is so for you.
I first had a version of this when at dinner back in Old Blighty with a girl, I once, in another life, caught the train up from our village to London with...she was a funny thing really...I am not quite sure how we got on...she was kinda prissy and a bit bothered by too much...I would run to the train flustered, having got up late, and she would have a spreadsheet on the train times, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, a few years later when we both had bambinos, I bumped into her again and we met up for playdates and dinner sometimes....this particular night, after a lovely meal she served up little bowls of creamy, cakey fruity stuff topped off with chocolate flake...it was delicious!
She didn't serve hers in little jars like this, hers were in a champagne glass and not quite so layered as these ones, plus she used tinned fruit not fresh or frozen.
Years later when said offspring kept requesting dessert, one day I wangled together somehow these from what was around in the fridge and they've been with us ever since.
Most likely, if you ever come here for dinner, and shock horror, you dont' bring the dessert with you, this, if you are lucky, will be what you will get.
Throw it all together, sprinkle a lil bit of chocolate on the top and the blog reading past-time you so rudely left in order to make this, is my friend, your oyster.
Beach Cottage Too Easy Layered Raspberry, Cream & Sponge Dessert
1 small maderia or butter cake or a pack of cupcakes (or of course make your own)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
8 tbsp fruit
1 x chocolate Flake or chocolate bar for grating
1. beat the cream cheese until it is soft
2. whip the cream until soft peaks form
3. combine & add the sugar through
4. cut your cake into portions
& layer into the bottom of your jar
5. add a tablespoon of fruit
6. layer on top the cream combo
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
*Beach Cottage Recipe Notes : this is just a guide really, you can use any cream that you have on hand...I have made this with clotted cream (don't even go there unless you want to seriously get these babies on your thighs), with double cream and I have even, in desperate times squirted in that, ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, well I thought it was time for some blogging tips here today, alongside a few nice flowers and shells ;-)
I was recently part of a blogger discussion group over at Kidspot and a couple of hours later had a few questions from girls who couldn't make it to the live chat, one was on my Facebook page and one via email, the Facebook one I will deal with in another Real Girl Blogging Tips post...the email one asked me what essentials do I think every blog needs?
Well I have been around here for a while now doing the blogging thing, so I should know this, yeah and I mused this on my walk by the sea this morning I thought well what do you only need?
...I think it is really very easy when blogging, whether or not you are blogging up there in the lofty heights of the Super Bloggers or you are just dipping your toe in the water, to get side-tracked by 101 million different things that are 'essential' to your blog and if you are someone like me who actually gets a thrill from reading blogging tips then you are in an even worse place because you will find yourself literally buzzing with these essential things to add/do/implement on your blog.
However, walking along, gulping down that brisk sea air today (no sunshine & clouds) I thought you actually don't need any of that professional blogging stuff to be successful...but there are a few things that are pretty much crucial ...and once I started to think about it I got it down to about 5 - these are the only things that you need to concentrate on...once you have read through take a look at some of the big girl's blogs...you'll see that actually they don't have bundles of stuff on their blogs...but they do have all of these...
So here are my top things that your blog must have
1. About Page
There are all sorts of About Pages out there, and if you search on it there are many different tips and ideas for what to have on yours
Whatever blogging platform you use, adding an About Me Page is easy, quick and simple and will do everything to grow your blog.
I like a long-ish About Page, I am inherently nosy and I like to know a bit more about the person but at the least you should have on it your name and where you are located. I also think a photo is good too...over the last year or so I think this has become more important in blogging - if you are hesitant about that as I was, you can try using sunglasses or a behind shot until you get comfortable.
There is nothing worse than stumbling upon a new blog and going to find out more to only be faced with a piddly little one liner About Me Page...well there is something worse, not having one at all!
2. Contact Page
The chances are someone, somewhere will want to contact you and you will be surprised what lands in your inbox once you put yourself out there on the world wide web with a blog.
Many bloggers also use this page to include details for PR's/brands that may want to contact them and some bloggers put their stats on there too.
A short, to the point and simple Contact Page works really well...whenever I have wanted to contact another blogger I am often very busy and have limited time so I don't want to hang around sifting through information looking for an email address, so concise and clear ...
G'day lovely Beach Cottage lovelies.
So, yeah, so on a roll people, so on a roll.
I feel kinda home accessory wired right now.
I am always telling people, if anyone ever listens, that blogging is all about passion, not that sort of passion, but about passion that makes one tick.
Things like this make me tick tick boom.
I love finding things that suit my budget and let me treat my home but look amazing too.
So without further adieu I introduce you, ladies of the beach, to the blue vintage glasses that I have been stroking for about a week or two now...
These glasses are from a little boutique I sometimes happen upon, this boutique sells also pet accessories, carpet cleaner, bras and compost...it's quite unique though.
And, thanks to my friend Marnie (she blogs over here, go take a look at her praying position, interesting), who just so happens to be one day having me over for a lil' Greek dinner, has let me in on the fact that we call Kmart....The KMart...with an accent ....as in 'I love The KMart'...just like her MIL does. Oh yeah. Love that.
So I have had my eye on reproduction vintage glass blue wine glasses and being trying to find real true vintage blue glasses for like ever.
Oh yes I have spied them in Frenchy boutiques, I have lusted after them in stores that I shouldn't even enter and I have put them back pretty quickly in those shops with the hand-written price tags. C'mon, you know the ones.
And, though all of the above have tempted me, muchly, really, even with my wardrobe stashing skills I just thought that, actually, I'd rather be saving that casherooni for our next trip overseas..
Hello The KMart.
Tick Tick Boom
Vintage style blue wine glasses.
Do not come to my old place and think you might pick up one of these and smile with pleasure at their handblown quality, their weight, and be secretly jealous that my wine glasses cost more than your car...friend, that would not happen...these do not feel like that...indeed these in a funny way reminded me of my baby girl, she was a tiny little thing, with stick legs, the tinsssssssiest ankles and wrists you ever did see, she slept sideways in her cot wedged in between rolled up blankets and would only settle attached to Mr Beach Cottage or I or a (dirty) pj top of mine scrunched up under her nose...the first few times I picked her up to cuddle, being used to Honeymoon Baby who weighed in at 9lbs at birth and has never really stopped growing, I nearly threw her little bird-cum-rat down covered body over my shoulder.
These glasses are like that...be careful or you might lose your wine down the front of your shirt.
But oh baby, we are not talking picking up here, we are not talking quality, we are not talking house accessory snobbery.
Beach Cottage ladies, we are talking aesthetics.
And this is what I need in my cottage.
Blue vintage style glass, paired with coastal / nautical / beach stuff on my deck.
It's The KMart.
Tune in tomorrow, tomorrow, I have more budget foofing for your home, or maybe it will be the dress that wraps me up in supermarket-chic and makes me feel like me again.
Good Day to you my friends, wanna come hang out on my deck, talk house accessories, The KMart and drink some wine from blue glasses?
Sarah
…I have used tinned fruit, peaches are nice….but if you are making this for something special I think fresh soft fruit goes down particularly well * you might want to add more sugar, this is easy on the sugar component, I don’t like it overly sweet… *you can use any chocolate you have floating around…I have grated all sorts of things over this *these are really great to take out with you, I have done this a couple of times when we have been out for special picnics…just make them up and then pop the lid on…too easy 
Yummo, I just adore cadbury flake choccies!
me too, I love Flake and mint Aero xx
I love the presentation in the canning jars! So cute and easy to make up a whole bunch for a crowd and stick in the fridge to serve later. Looks yummy, thanks for sharing!
yeah if I am organized I make up in the morning and then stick in the fridge for later…x
This sounds utterly delish and decadent and perfect in its simplicity. This is a keeper.
this is for sure a real keeper Cathy and a good one to have up your sleeve
thanks for stopping by x
No weight problems on this end, so bring it on…YUM!!! Uhhh, is there anything you CAN’T do????
oh I have a long list…how long have you got
x
Love the Flakes! Too bad they’re a “delicacy”, available only at World Market at an exhorbitant price in these parts.
Your dessert looks delicious – it’s got all my favorite things, especially chocolate and raspberries!
yes I thought they might be in some parts of the world but you can use any choc!
this is Australian flake which tastes a bit different to English flake (Aussie chocolate has a lot of anti-melting stuff in it and has a different flavour)…but it still does the job ok…xx
Its a shame I can’t just reach into the computer and get this, it would go down a treat, even slipped into something more comfy (jog bottom with a loose waist band) then my skinny jeans with hidden muffin top.
Looks lovely, a few crushed meringues would, for me finish it off…..
yeah loose waist bands are good with this Samantha
x
I’ve got whipping cream at home, berries and that cake can be easily made while the rest of dinner is going. I would give my right apendage for this right now C:
yep that is one of the best things about it…you can just make it while all other stuff is going on, it’s not too brain-power heavy!
xx
Oh my – just beautiful. Could you do GF for me?! Thank-you!
oh yes I could make this gluten free I am sure Nikki…and team it with some of your fave bubbles haha
All I can say is it’s a good thing I’ve just brushed my teeth…. or I’d be down in the pantry this instant trying to find things to make this with. I will be keeping it in the back of my mind though… sounds like the perfect summer treat. ❈
yes it is Summery, even in the dead of winter! x
What a fabulously easy delicious dessert. Thanks for this one Sarah.
no worries, it is sooooooo simple! x
Another winner – something even I can make! Thinking of this for the weekend when I’m at my parents…
yep it’s soooo easy and delicious xx
Oh my, this looks so good.
I’ve never heard of Cadbury Flake before. I’m going to have to see if I can find it here in the US. I know I can find something else to use instead but I like to try new things, especially new kinds of chocolate.
Flake is like heaven on earth Sharon lol x
All I can say is yum, yum, yum ……
yes!
Yum – looks exactly what I feel like eating RIGHT now!!
Now to track down a flake…Living in the US has it’s moments xo
hmmm I think you have better shopping than we do though!
Sarah, you HAVE to try trifle which is very similar. The ingredients and method are open to your creativity. Flakes are a suitable additional ingredient.
Ingredients
packet of red jelly crystals (I’ve seen premade jelly in the supermarket but haven’t tried it)
packet of jam sponge rollettes OR a jam sponge roll OR a plain bought sponge cut into smallish uniform pieces
sweet sherry-optional (or substitute if preferred)
425g can of peach slices, drained (or any fruit to taste)
600mL carton of custard
300mL carton of cream, whipped
1/2 cup toasted almonds
Method
Set jelly in large clear glass serving bowl in fridge.
Slice cake. Sprinkle with sherry or substitute if desired.
Arrange cake slices in a line around the sides of the bowl and on top of the set jelly.
Add a layer of drained peach slices.
Pour over custard to taste.
Decorate with whipped cream.
Add toasted almonds on top just before serving.
Serve in glass dessert bowls using normal sized dessert spoons or in cocktail glasses using long handled dessert spoons
alison
PS KMart Skinny $10 jeans don’t require ironing! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ooh, im all over this! Gotta get myself some pretty mason jars thou. Im thinking Ginger cake and cinnamon cream Mmmmm
Oh that is so lovely and creativity. Kind of creativeness really change the mod in positiveness manners. Thanks
I said I wasn’t going to look.
but I did
now I want…
thanks Sarah
thanks a lot
x Marnie
I think the mason jars are a brilliant idea, especially for those lovely picnics down on the beach that we sea siders are so lucky to have so close. I will definitely be trying this as I’m planning a belated anniversary picnic for me and my hubby in the park where we were married last year.
And yes you’re right we only live once so why not indulge once in a while
these are perfect for picnics xo
I so very much enjoy your easy, care-free banter!
No need to respond, just wanted you to know that you add a lovely treat in the day. :]
so pleased you did!
thanks for commenting I appreciate it
Love it! Though berries are quite expensive here, but we have plenty of other fruit like passion fruit, guava and papaya. Perfect aftera day at the beach.
yes they are which is why I often use frozen or only use what is on offer
x
SOunds yummy!! And I will have tons of berries in a about 4 months, I could make this every night. My family would not be upset. lol LOVE easy recipes.
Thanks Sarah!
God bless, Fi
you are welcome Fiona…best thing is too, that it is very budget friendly if you have a glut of berries around x
I dont know how to put this but at a certain time of the day after something I feel really hungry. I get hungry for sweet. All I need is a quick fix sweet: Nothing else will do. This is so perfect. I’m trying this.
yep it’s sooooooooo easy and good for a sugar fix xo
Yummo love cream, raspberries and chocolate its a winner and love it in the mason jar – just gorgeous
yeah me too Caz…great combo x
This looks so good! I love that youput it in the jars and that it is so transportable…. Made the panatonne again (last one in my pantry) especially for my brother…. He gave your recepie an A+++++++++…. He even took the rest home lol… Might try thisone when we go over to his place, I know both he and his wife will love it! Thanks for sharing
This looks amazing! And, the best part about is, you can easily throw it together if you don’t feel like baking. Love it!
x Jasmine
Hi Sarah…
Thanks for that recipe..I MADE IT!!!!
We had friends over yesterday for a traditional roastie…and whenever we go to them we get home made puddings…where as usually I buy a nice one from Marks and Sparks. Hubby got made redundant 2 weeks ago, so reining in the belt and saw this on your blog (which I read daily by the way!)….and thought Id go with it. Made them in champagne glasses like your travel friend used to….and added some wafers which I found in the cupboard which you serve with posh coffees after dinner. Looked good stuck (sorry….PLACED artistically) on top of the layers….but as I made them early and put in fridge….the wafers started to unravel hahahaha….but I magaged to squeeze them back in shape (but they were soft…so MISTAKE..put the wafers in at the last minute before serving!!!). I dont think anyone noticed despite my hubby saying ‘Whats happened to the wafers?’ and me kicking his shins underneath the table…… anyway all went well and they were DELISH!!!!! I used mixed frozen summer fruits and the cream combo was gorgeous…loved licking out the bowl-…ahem..I mean my 4 year old LOVED licking out the bowl. Thanks for sharing Sarah xxx