Food for the street party

So here we are on the last day of the Diamond Jubilee week-end.
It's also the day of our local street party. It is dry so far but the weather forecast is far from encouraging this afternoon. 

It may also be Adrian (london1952)'s last event as the residents' association's social even co-ordinator as he resigned a few days ago. I think he's burnt out and a bit fed up with the apathy: not many people are bothered enough to help or even reply to flyers and e-mails, but everyone expects smashing events and are always ready to moan. But that's human nature, I guess!

Putting aside all this negativity, I hope that the street party will be fun!

There's a "Grand Trifle Competition" and since it doesn't seem there will be many entries, I made a trifle to boost the numbers.



It started as a traditional trifle but along the way got a Piedmontese twist with zabaglione (instead of custard) and Chantilly cream on top. I've decided to call it "Double-trouble trifle" due to the large quantity of alcohol used not only to soak the sponge base, but also to make the zabaglione.



How will it fare against Adrian's "Anglo-Italian trifle"? (which is my favourite to win). Will we come home with a prize or in disgrace, with no alternative to moving away from the area? Only time will tell!

I also made some "patriotic" almond macaroons...

It all started well with two eyes (reminiscent of the Trip Advisor logo) staring out of the Italian meringue




The bake produced mix results but there were enough good ones to make these





The colours are not quite right but well, what can one do?