Pumpkin Praline Trifle

Preparation

1. praline

   Step 1

   Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. Bring both sugars and half and half to boil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Add butter, vanilla, and salt. Attach candy thermometer to pan. Simmer without stirring until temperature registers 260°F, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat; immediately mix in pecans. Transfer to prepared sheet, spreading in single layer. Cool completely. Chop into 1/4-inch pieces.

2. mascarpone cream

   Step 2

   Using electric mixer, beat all ingredients in large bowl until firm peaks form. Set aside 1/2 cup mascarpone cream for pumpkin filling.

3. filling

   Step 3

   Whisk pumpkin, brown sugar, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in large bowl to blend. Whisk in reserved 1/2 cup mascarpone cream.

   Step 4

   Spread 1/3 cup mascarpone cream over bottom of 8x5-inch trifle dish (12- to 14-cup capacity). Place layer of ladyfingers over cream in bottom of dish (about half of 3-ounce package). Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons rum over. Spread 1/2 cup pumpkin filling over ladyfingers, spreading to edges. Sprinkle 1/3 cup praline over. Spread 1 cup mascarpone cream over. Cover with another layer of ladyfingers. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons rum, then spread 1 cup pumpkin filling over. Sprinkle 1/2 cup praline over. Repeat 1 more time with 1 cup mascarpone cream, ladyfingers, 1 1/2 tablespoons rum, 1 cup pumpkin filling, and 1/2 cup praline. Spread remaining mascarpone cream over. Cover and chill overnight. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

   Step 5

   Uncover trifle. Sprinkle 1 cup praline decoratively over top (reserve any remaining praline for another use).

   Step 6

   *An Italian cream cheese; sold at many supermarkets and at Italian markets.

   Step 7

   **Available in the bakery or bread section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.