Black Forest Trifle

1️⃣ Score the baked chocolate cake into small cubes. Set aside.
2️⃣ In a medium-sized saucepan, add cherries. In a small bowl, whisk together water, cornstarch, and lemon juice to make a “slurry.” Pour over the cherries and heat to medium. Add sugar and stir.
3️⃣ Bring to a low boil and continue cooking, stirring often, until cherries begin to soften and “burst.” If desired, mash gently with a fork or masher to break up the fruit. Add almond and vanilla extracts then stir to combine. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
4️⃣ To make the stabilized whipped cream, add water to a small saucepan. Stir in gelatin and let sit (cold) for a few minutes or until thickened. Turn on heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved. Takes about 3-5 minutes. Let cool but do not let it set up. Start next step immediately.