Strawberry Cream Trifle

Directions

Filling

1. In a medium saucepan combine strawberries, granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
   
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer until strawberries break down (approx. 15 - 20 minutes).
   
3. Add gelatin to strawberry mixture and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Cool mixture in refrigerator for 1 hour (it will thicken slightly).
   
5. In a medium bowl whip 1½ cups whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff. Set aside.
   
6. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, scraping down in between mixing (approx. 3 - 5 minutes). Fold in 1½ cups whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until just combined. Add strawberry mixture to cream cheese mixture and mix just until combined.

Assembly

1. Whip reserved cup of whipping cream and set aside.
   
2. Build trifle layers, starting with 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs, ½ cup strawberry filling, a layer of fresh strawberries and ½ the whipped cream.
3. Repeat with remaining chocolate cookie crumbs and strawberry filling.
4. Garnish with sliced strawberries and whipping cream.
5. Let set in refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.