If you love Italian food, you probably enjoy pasta, pizza, and other similar dishes. However, there are others that look forward to the end of the meal, and a plate of tiramisu. This dish is the Italian's way of doing dessert, and translates to "pull me up." There is some debate as to how the tiramisu got its name. Some think it might be from the caffeine in the coffee giving just enough pick me up to give you energy throughout the evening. Others think that it might be the sweet delight that comes from the smooth and rich dessert. But most don't bother to continue the debate after the dessert is served.
Serving Ideas
There are numerous ways that you can serve tiramisu. If you are going for looks, using individual glass bowls or glasses to construct the tiramisu can create a dessert that is as tempting to the eye as it is to the palate. For the recipe that follows, however, a shallow baking dish will also work. While it may not be as pleasing to the eye, it allows you to make enough for 6 diners.
What You Will Need
The two main ingredients of tiramisu are lady fingers and mascarpone cream cheese, but there are a few other ingredients that you will need as well. Nearly all should be available at your local grocery store or fresh food market. You will need:
o A large package of lady fingers
o 150 grams (about 5.3 ounces) icing sugar
o Four large eggs
o 200 grams (about 7 ounces) of mascarpone cream cheese
o 200 mL (about 6.8 ounces) of cooled, fresh espresso
o 120 mL (about 4 ounces) of dark rum or dessert wine
o 100 grams ( about 3.5 ounces) of cocoa powder
How To Prepare The Ingredients
Before you assemble your tiramisu, you will need to prepare the ingredients. Start by mixing the coffee and the alcohol and setting aside. Separate the yolks from the whites of the egg. Take the yolks and beat with the sugar until it has reached a creamy consistency. Beat the white separately until they are semi-stiff, and then add them to the yolks and sugar. Then gently fold in the mascarpone and mix well.
Assembling The Tiramisu
Once you have all the ingredients prepared, it is time to assemble the tiramisu. Place the lady fingers along the bottom of the dish or dishes you have selected. Use a pastry brush to coat them with the coffee and alcohol. Then use a large spoon to cover the biscuits with a layer of the mascarpone mix. Repeat the previous steps to create a second layer. When you are finished, use a wire sieve to dust the top with cocoa powder to form a dark crust.
Refrigerate for at least four hours, removing a half hour before serving so that it can return to room temperature. You now have a tempting Italian dessert to share with your family and friends. Tiramisu is the perfect end to any Italian dinner.
This is my recipe for the best ever Christmas cookies, for all of those who asked for it. Everyone who tries these cookies seem to love them, i hope yours turn out as good or better then mine did. good luck and Marry Christmas.