mmmm....Smooth Chocolate Strawberry Trifle

I love trifles.

• They are easy, delicious and always "wow" a crowd.
• They are aesthetically pleasing and look much more time-consuming than they actually are.
• The blend of fruit, creamy pudding and brownies is ummmm....what's the word....SCRUMPTIOUS!

What makes a trifle even better??? When it has whole grains in it...so you can justify eating it!!! This recipe uses my whole wheat brownies (which I love and which NO ONE knows have whole wheat in them!). This recipe is perfect for all seasons from a summer party (like the one I'm attending tonight) to a Christmas party.

First...You need this recipe:

Ooey Gooey Not-So Wheaty Brownies

3⁄4 C softened butter

1 1⁄2 C sugar

2 tsp vanilla

4 eggs

3⁄4 C sifted whole wheat flour

1⁄2 tsp baking powder

1⁄2 C cocoa powder

1⁄4 tsp salt

1 C chocolate chips, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and sugar. Add vanilla and eggs. In another bowl mix the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix. Bake 30-40 minutes in a greased 13X9 pan. This is a family favorite and I have yet to meet anyone who can tell that there is whole wheat in it!!! YUM!!! If using chocolate chips, fold in after mixing all other ingredients. They make take a few minutes longer to bake, but this is how I prefer to make them...they are so good!

For Fudgier Brownies: Subtract one egg. Bake 30-40 minutes.

For Cake-Like Brownies: Add an egg. Bake 30-40 minutes.

And then...you need this recipe:

Smooth Chocolate Strawberry Trifle

3 C cold milk

2-3 1⁄2 oz. pkgs. chocolate instant pudding

1-8 oz. whipped topping

Ooey Gooey Not So Wheaty Brownies

21⁄2 C sliced strawberries

Mix milk and pudding for at least two minutes, until well blended and starting to thicken. Fold in 1 C of the whipped topping. Dice brownies into 1 in. cubes.

Layer the following:

half the brownies half the pudding mix half the raspberries

Use the other half of each to make another layer of brownies, pudding mix, and raspberries. Top with leftover whipped topping and serve! Guaranteed to make everyone ooh and aah!

Note: You can substitute raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, mixed berries, etc.