Dulce de Leche Trifles with Almond Praline

To make the almond praline, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar and water and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is dark golden, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the almonds and immediately transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it in a thin layer. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then, using the bottom of a measuring cup or a rolling pin, lightly crush the praline into bite-size pieces.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the cream, sugar and vanilla and almond extracts on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3 minutes. Cover and refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use, up to 2 hours.

Place the cookies in a large plastic bag. Using the bottom of a measuring cup or a rolling pin, coarsely crush them into small bite-size pieces.

Remove the lid from the dulce de leche and microwave until pourable but still thick, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

To assemble the trifles, place a generous dollop of whipped cream in the bottom of each of 12 glasses, then top with some dulce de leche and a scoop of crushed cookies. Repeat the layers 2 or 3 more times, then top with the almond praline and few cookie pieces. Serve immediately or let stand at room temperature for up to 1 hour. Serves 12.

Recipe inspired by Aerin Lauder in collaboration with the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen