hestons royal wedding trifle

[ethandron]

have been reading about a trifle heston has come up with, sold in waitrose. it's layers of strawberry compote, saffron infused custard, crushed ratafia biscuits, whipped cream and merangue. various people have come up with their own version and i've decided to have a go at a simplified version, just been and bought the ingredients.
never used saffron before and am wondering how much i would need to infuse the custard with - one strand, two, three....the whole lot?? do you think it would be a strong taste in the custard (sainsburys taste the difference fresh) as i would hate to spoil the whole thing by putting too much in. thanks in advance.

[woofgang]

This recipe says 30 threads
http://www.allaboutyo...-custard-recipe-10370

this one says a good pinch which i reckon would be about 15 threads
http://www.independen...ard-tarts-680382.html

[ethandron]

thanks woofgang.
have you used it yourself ever?

[gingejbee]

I've used it in the past- lots of colour and a subtle flavour from not much saffron- a good pinch, as above. (And how did you afford it- rob a bank?)

[ethandron]

thought i would have to gingejbee but it only cost £2.80 for 0.4 grams in sainsburys (0.4 grams just about covers the bottom of the spice jar it's sold in). will use a good pinch and see what happens.

[gingejbee]

"only.......".....that's £3178 per pound! Hope it turns out well.

[woofgang]

I love it in rice. When we lived on Somerset, the bakers had saffron buns which I liked.

[ethandron]

well i've just assembled the thing and it's now sitting in the fridge. i stewed up the strawberries with some grated orange rind and juice, it looked very watery so i let it reduce a bit, and also added a little sugar. didn't bother with the saffron after all, just in case we didn't like the taste of it so poured the custard on top of the strawbs. bashed up the ratafia biscuits, soaked them with brandy and curaco and kind of sprinkled them over the custard. covered the whole lot with whipped cream and paved over the top with mini merangues. it all looks very nice and if it tastes as good then i think it'll be a good one to do for special occasions.