The Black Forest and a Trifle


I was so excited this fall to have the opportunity to visit the Black Forest.  My ancestors are from this region of Germany and for me to "walk where they walked" was very moving.  As an avid genealogist I really wanted to stop and do some research but that was for another time.  This trip was to see the area and be awed by the beauty.


We visited St. Margen on a plateau in the southern Black Forest.


The countryside was beautiful.  It was October and about 35°F when we were there but it didn't matter!


We visited a wayside on our return that had the world's largest cuckoo clock...it was fun to watch it strike the hour.  This particular stop is also known for those who have spent the night on their journey through the area.  Marie Antoinette and Goethe both stayed in the lodgings available here!


There was also an opportunity to sample a very large piece of Black Forest Cake.  The cake usually has four layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream.  It is frosted with whipped cream and covered with chocolate shavings.  Of course, each of the layers is brushed with Kirschwasser (cherry schnaps or brandy).  Delicious.

Historians believe that the cake originated in the 16th century in the Black Forest Region (Der Schwarzwald in German) located in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg.  It was during this era that chocolate was first used in cakes and cookies.  This region is also known for its sour cherries and Kirsch...I cannot think of a more winning combination!  It is thought that the cake was named after the cherry brandy/Kirsch.

Today I want to share with you the Black Forest Trifle that I made.  It is delicious and easy!  I did not have time for make a four layer cake so I did a little improvising....I am certain that my ancestors will forgive me!

I must fess-up....I used a brownie mix....


Black Forest Trifle

Yield
6-8 individual trifles (large)


Cake
Prepare Brownie mix as directed.

Cherries
24 ounce jar of Morello Cherries in syrup
2-3 Tbsp Kirsch or Cherry Brandy (to your taste)
2 Tbsp sugar

Whipped Cream
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp Kirsch or Cherry Brandy

Garnish
Shaved or grated milk chocolate

When the brownies have cooled, cut 6-8 brownies.

To make the cherry sauce, drain the cherries, reserving the liquid.  In a small saucepan simmer the liquid along with the Kirsch and sugar.  Simmer for about 7 minutes or until the sauce is syrupy.  Remove from heat and add the drained cherries.  Let the sauce cool before assembling.

Whip the cream, sugar and Kirsch/brandy in a bowl using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.

To assemble the trifles:  Take the brownie and break it into bite-size pieces.  Place a few of the pieces in the bottom of the dish.  Next place a spoonful of the cherries and their juices on top of the brownies.  Place a large dollop of the whipped cream on top of the cherries.  Repeat the layers, starting with the brownies.  Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to mingle.

Just before serving sprinkle each trifle with grated or shaved chocolate and top with a cherry.

PRINTABLE RECIPE


The trifles were delicious and kept well!  I had a second helping on the next day!!  It was too good to not eat.


I am sharing this at Susan's site, A Southern Daydreamer, for Outdoor Wednesday;


and at Michael's site Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday.

Comments

  1. First of all, let me say I love your blog name. I'm exited to see pictures of my home Bavaria! Thanks for sharing. The Black Forest Cake is very hard to make, I only tried it once, it tasted good was did not look quite as good as the ones in the store. You had a good idea!

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  2. Hi,
    Great post, your pictures are great and oh how I would love to visit the Black Forest....
    I also thought your cake looked amazing...mix or not....yummmmmmy!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Maryrose

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  3. The trifle looks delicious. We have a cuckoo clock we bought in Freiburg during a trip to the region - it's beautiful there, reminds me a little of East Tennessee. Great that you got to visit your heritage.

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  4. The first manager that hired me in my married life when I was 29..Rosemarie.. was German..and went back with her dear son when I knew her..enchanted by the black forest she said:)

    I just bought brownie mixes for some dessert recipes.. Thank you!

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  5. Beautiful scenery~ I love the cuckoo clock! Your trifle looks delish! Happy New Year :-)

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  6. Thank you for taking me along on the is grand tour. One place I will never see otherwise.

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  7. My no. 1 favorite brownie recipe is in the Joy of Cooking. The rest are in a box on the grocer's shelf!! Why lick 'em when joining can be so delicious!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  8. Those vacation pictures are just so charming! And of course the cake...yum!

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  9. This looks so good!!! I also went to Germany recently and have written about things on my blog!!! Did you see the fruit that they serve on wooden skewers..they I believe are dipped in a sugar syrup, and than in chocolate..so good!!

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  10. Great post, Kate. I love this part of Germany and hope to return some day soon. Black forest cake is a favorite and I can't wait to try your version. Brownie mix is the way to go here.

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  11. I've never been to Germany but the area looks so charming and inviting. Happy New Year.
    Joyce M

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  12. Love all your photos. Hubbys family is from Germany & he has an aunt who did an enormous amount of research. My family is a Heinz 57 variety. That recipe looks delicious.

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  13. Great photos of a lovely area. I love the big clock. Your dessrt looks delicious!

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  14. Well, I thought that your photos and words about the Black Forest were great, but OH THAT TRIFLE!

    Thanks for the recipe! Lovely.

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  15. This entire post is amazing.

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  16. How wonderful to go back to your roots. I have some German in me but still have never visited that part of my heritage... your pictures are wonderful and I agree... the dessert is spectacular... deconstructed black-forest is the way to go!

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  17. They look delicious! I have the perfect little glasses to serve them too!
    Pics of Germany are lovely!

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  18. These look so yummy! I will definately make this. I love your photos of the Black Forest.
    It is my favourite place too!
    Warm South African blessings
    Shel

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  19. This triffle looks amazing. Oh but I would love it right now.

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  20. yum yum, will be trying this one tomorrow night as part of a romantic dinner for my partner

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