Courtesy TV Land; Andrea CorrealeRachel’s sweet treat, of course, was a traditional English trifle. However, since the pages in her cookbook had gotten stuck together, the fashion exec ended up making half an English trifle and half a shepherd’s pie, resulting in a confection that contained both layers of lady fingers, jam and whipped cream, as well as beef sautéed with peas and onions. The sweet and savory creation, which everyone ate in an effort to spare Rachel’s feelings, tasted “like feet,” according to Ross (David Schwimmer).While Us’ trifle recipe is missing that meat and veggie layer (you can thank Us later), the dessert is otherwise very similar to the one Rachel attempted to cook.In the Friends Thanksgiving episode from season 5, Ross goes berserk when he realizes a colleague at the museum mistakenly ate the “moist maker” sandwich Monica had prepared for him, using her delectable Turkey Day leftovers. Per Ross’ description, the loaded meal contained, among other ingredients, turkey and an extra slice of gravy-soaked bread, which is how the food earned its “moist maker” moniker.
Us’ version of the sandwich kicks the meal up a notch and is actually a turkey burger on a buttered brioche bun. Don’t worry though, this feast still has layers of cranberry apple chutney, cornbread stuffing and more.
Scroll down to see more recipes inspired by iconic dishes from Friends’ memorable Thanksgiving episodes!
Traditional English Trifle
This recipe for the well-known British dessert was shared with Us by celebrity caterer Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs. Her A-list clients have included Mariah Carey and Jimmy Fallon. This take on the dish doesn’t actually boast a layer of peas sautéed with peas and onions, but hey, at least that means it won’t taste like feet!
Makes 1 trifle
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 5 oz package of instant vanilla pudding (like Royal brand)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch vanilla extract
- 7 oz lady fingers
- 1/2 cup sherry wine
- 12 oz frozen berries
- 2 quarts fresh strawberries (thawed)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine the instant pudding and whole milk. Whisk together until thickened.
- Place mixture in the refrigerator to thicken it a bit more. Leave it in the fridge for about 10 minutes and then remove it and set it aside.3. Next, make the whipped cream by adding heavy cream, egg yolks, granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the pudding mixture and combine with a mixer.
- Then, beat the mixture with a whisk attachment until thickened and stiff. Set aside.
- Layer half of the ladyfingers on the bottom of a trifle dish. Slowly pour 1/4 cup of Sherry wine over the ladyfingers.
- Scoop half of the thawed mixed berries over the ladyfingers. Try to get as little berry juice in the dish as possible.
- Layer half of the prepared pudding mixture over the berries, completely covering them. Set aside.
- Add half of the sliced strawberries to the pudding layer.
- Layer the remaining half of the whipped cream over the strawberries, completely covering them.
- Repeat layers. Top trifle with toasted almonds.
- Let the trifle set in the refrigerator for two to six hours and enjoy!
Credit: Andrea Correale