English Raspberry Trifle

The English have enjoyed this dessert for over three centuries now. Although the dictionary defines 'trifle' as being something insignificant, this dessert is anything but. Its beginnings were humble as the first trifles simply consisted of a mixture of boiled cream and a few other ingredients. It wasn't until the mid 18th century that the trifle started to evolve into what we have today.

Ingredients
1 sponge cake, cut in cubes
1 cup raspberry jam
8 ounces fresh raspberries
10 fluid ounces heavy cream
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 ounces sliced almonds

Directions
Spread a little jam on each piece of cake and place in the bottom of a large glass bowl. Sprinkle raspberries over cake.
Heat 10 fl. oz. cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. While the cream is heating, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until pale yellow and smooth. Strain yolk mixture into a clean bowl. Pour hot cream into egg yolks and stir vigorously. Return mixture to pan over low heat and cook, stirring, until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
While custard is cooling, whip 10 fl oz. cream until soft peaks form. Place almonds on a baking sheet and toast, in a 300 degree oven or toaster oven, stirring frequently, until golden, 2 to 10 minutes.
Spread cooled custard over cake in bowl. Top with whipped cream and toasted almonds. Chill 2 hours before serving.