This is a popular coffee-flavored Italian dessert with many different versions. Although this is a most delightful dessert, there is unfortunately no recipes for Tiramisú with ingredient substitutes for the weight conscious.
Serves 4
3 very fresh eggs, separated
¼ cup/60 ml sugar
1 cup/250 ml Mascarpone (make your own)
1 cup/250 ml cold, strong black coffee
80 ml/⅛ cup Noilly Prat / Marsala / Tia Maria
200 g/7 oz sponge fingers
Mascarpone is a thick, double or triple cream, soft cream cheese with a very high fat content. The texture is that of thickened cream that is on its way to becoming butter. Making your own mascarpone at home is simple, cheaper than the shop bought ones and utterly delicious. It can be used for both sweet and savory dishes and enhances the flavor of the dish without overwhelming the original taste. Mascarpone can be served alone with fruit or fruit syrup; it makes charming canopies, topped with anchovies, tomato, smoked salmon, etc in fact, any topping you would normally put on top of a cream cheese snack. Mascarpone needs to be consumed within a few days.
The garnish:
unsweetened cocoa powder to finish
Over a double boiler, beat the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Fold the mascarpone into the egg mixture, a spoonful at a time. Beat the whites separately until stiff, and fold into the mascarpone mixture.
Mix the coffee with the liqueur in a shallow bowl, then briefly dip half the sponge fingers in the liquid, soaking one side only and arrange in a single layer on the bottom of a shallow serving dish the dry side of the biscuit facing down.
Do not soak the sponge fingers for longer than 3 seconds as it falls apart easily when wet. Other liqueurs can be used but if you prefer without alcohol, the coffee should be enough.
Pour half the mascarpone mixture over the sponge fingers. Dip the remaining sponge fingers in the coffee and liqueur mixture and arrange on top of the mascarpone cream. Finally, pour over the rest of the mascarpone cream, and smooth the surface. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
This recipe contains raw eggs and is not suitable for pregnant women, the elderly or very young children.
To serve:
Before serving, sprinkle generously with cocoa powder. (Using a small sieve makes this easier).