Instructions:

1. Cream preparation: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Slowly add in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Continue to whip until it forms stiff peaks. Set aside.
2. If you’re using a strawberry jam or sauce, you can mix it with the milk for soaking. Otherwise, just use plain milk.
3. In a rectangular dish, begin by soaking the ladyfingers or Maria cookies in the milk mixture for a few seconds and then lay them out in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
4. Spread a layer of the whipped cream mixture over the cookies.
5. Place a layer of sliced strawberries over the cream.
6. Repeat the process: another layer of soaked cookies, then the whipped cream, then strawberries.
7. Continue layering until all your ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
8. Garnish with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, if desired.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld.
10. Serve chilled.