Strawberries and Cream Deluxe Dessert

This is an impressive dessert and takes a surprisingly short time to prepare. If fresh strawberries (or even raspberries) are unavailable then go ahead and use frozen berries.

Vegetable spray, like Pam
30 Lady Finger sponge cakes (can even use Twinkies)
3 - 3 ounce packages of Strawberry Jello
3 cups of boiling hot water
3 cups of cold water
2 pounds of fresh strawberries, washed, and cut into small pieces
3 cups of heavy cream, sweetened with sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, whipped fresh strawberries and whipped cream to garnish

Spray the sides of a 8 cup gelatin mold with the vegetable spray to prevent sticking. Line the sides of the mold with the little sponge cakes placing them upright in a row all around the inside of the mold. The bottom is not to be lined with your sponge cakes.

In a large mixing bowl put the three packages of gelatin and stir in the hot water. When the gelatin is dissolved then add the cold water. Let this mixture cool in the refrigerator until the gelatin is starting to set.

Remove the gelatin from the refrigerator and fold in whipped cream until the mixture is smooth. Fold in the fresh berries. Pour the dessert mixture into your lined gelatin mold and cover with waxed paper before placing this dessert back into the refrigerator.

This needs time to set so the gelatin is nice and firm, at least 6 hours or even better, over night.

When you are ready to serve this delicious dessert, remove the waxed paper from the top. Run a clean knife around the edge of the mold to loosen the sponge cakes from the sides. Place a serving dish over the mold and quickly turn everything upside down, giving a sharp shake. The dessert should slide out easily on to the dish. Decorate with the remaining berries and cream.

Makes 10 to 12 servings