Tea for three

What do you feed to a highly pregnant friend at teatime?

Something nostalgic and indulgent, something that stirs up memories of simple childhood days, before we knew about pregnancy yoga and buggy envy. Something like...

Blueberry trifle with violets

Serves 2, one to be pregnant

250g blueberries
4 tbsp caster sugar
1 tbsp water and the juice of half a lemon
2 thin slices of madeira sponge
200ml double cream
1 tsp of caster sugar
a dash of vanilla extract
200ml cold custard (add a drop of almond extract if you have some)
1 tbsp toasted flaked almonds
1 tsp crystallised violets, or a little orange zest

1) Put the blueberries, sugar, water and juice into a small pan and simmer for 5 minutes over a medium heat. Leave to one side to cool.

2) Cut the madeira cake into 1cm cubes and place into the bottom of two or three glasses or deep bowls, then spoon over the blueberry compote. Cover the blueberries with custard, then whip the cream into soft, billowy peaks with a teaspoon of sugar and the vanilla. Layer loosely over the custard.

3) Finish by scattering with the toasted almonds and violets.