Vanilla Cream Fruitcake Trifle

½ cup sugar 5 large egg yolks ¼ cup cornstarch 2 ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla

Canidied Pecans

1 large egg white 3 tablespoon dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup pecan halves

Rum-Soaked Raisins

½ cup dark rum or orange juice ½ cup boiling water ½ cup golden raisins ½ cup dried apricots, cut in quarters ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries 1 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar 1 tablespoon molasses ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 ½ pound purchased or homemade fruitcake, cut in 1/2-inch slices Candied cherries, halved (optional)