Nigella Panettone Trifle

Delight in the festive flavors of Nigella Lawson's Panettone Trifle, a luxurious dessert that combines the sweetness of panettone with the richness of mascarpone cheese. This trifle, with its layers of Italian sweet bread, creamy mascarpone, and a hint of limoncello, is a celebration of texture and taste that's perfect for any special occasion.

Nigella Lawson's Panettone Trifle: A Gourmet Delight

Cultural or Historical Context

The Panettone Trifle is an innovative take on the traditional English trifle, incorporating the Italian Christmas bread, panettone. This dessert showcases the fusion of Italian and English culinary traditions, making it a standout dish for festive celebrations.

Ingredients for the Panettone Trifle

• Panettone: 750g, sliced into circles
• Mascarpone cheese: 1 pound, for a creamy texture
• Ricotta: 500g, to add lightness to the cream
• Icing sugar: 100g, for sweetness
• Muscat wine: 200ml, for a hint of elegance
• Eggs: 2, separated
• Flaked almonds and chocolate shavings, for garnish

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the panettone slices, removing the top and bottom and cutting the remainder into circles.
2. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks in one bowl. In another, beat the yolks with icing sugar until pale, then incorporate the ricotta and a portion of the Muscat wine.
3. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk-ricotta mixture, creating a light and airy cream.
4. Assemble the trifle by layering the panettone slices in a trifle bowl, adding a layer of the ricotta cream, and repeating the layers. Finish with a sprinkle of flaked almonds for texture.

Storage and Reheating

This trifle is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for a day. It's not suitable for freezing or reheating due to the delicate structure of the cream and the soaked panettone.

Nutritional Information

This dessert is rich in calories, with high amounts of fats and sugars from the mascarpone, ricotta, and panettone. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQ about the Panettone Trifle

• Can I make it in advance? Yes, you can assemble the trifle a day ahead, without the garnish. Add the almonds and chocolate shavings before serving.
• Is there a substitute for Muscat wine? While Muscat adds a unique flavor, you can use other sweet dessert wines or a non-alcoholic alternative with a hint of citrus or vanilla.

Nigella Lawson's Panettone Trifle is a testament to her culinary creativity, seamlessly blending Italian and English traditions. Whether for a holiday feast or a special celebration, this trifle promises a memorable dessert experience.

Original recipe by Nigella Lawson, found on her official website​​and Great Italian Chefs​​.