Lali’s Italian Tiramisu
Description
Imagine this: you take delicate ladyfingers, those light and airy sponge cookies, and bathe them in a rich, dark coffee infusion. They get a little soft around the edges, absorbing that beautiful coffee flavor. Then, you layer them up with a dreamy concoction of creamy mascarpone cheese, whipped to light perfection, and folded with the sunshine-y sweetness of egg yolks. Oh, and did I mention a hint of rum or brandy for a touch of grown-up warmth? (Though it's totally optional!)
This decadent masterpiece isn't just about the layers, though. It's about the textural symphony that happens in your mouth. The soft, coffee-kissed ladyfingers melt into the luxurious cream, creating a playground of smooth and slightly spongy textures. Then, the whole thing gets dusted with a veil of bitter cocoa powder, adding a delightful depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Tiramisu isn't just a dessert, it's an experience. It's a pick-me-up (that's literally what "tiramisu" means in Italian!) disguised as a spoonful of pure heaven. It's perfect for ending a romantic dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just because you deserve a little indulgence. So, grab your coffee, your mascarpone, and get ready to create a masterpiece that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Coffee time
Start by preparing the liter of strong coffee so it has time to cool down when needed. Place the Marsala, port, or whiskey and let it cool.
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Preparing the egg yolks
Now pasteurize the egg yolks by mixing them vigorously with sugar using a hand or electric whisk over a double boiler. Continue beating until the sugar has dissolved into the yolks and has changed from intense yellow to a lighter yellow color. Remove it from the double boiler and continue beating over a cloth until it becomes frothy and puffed up.
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Incorporate the mascarpone cheese
In a bowl, gently fold together the mascarpone cheese and the previously whipped cream until just combined. Add the yolk mixture (sabayon) and optional vanilla essence. Mix gently until everything is incorporated without overworking it.
Pro tip: original tiramisu does not include vanilla essence, but I add it because it tastes good. -
Layering
In a dish or container for tiramisu, place a layer of ladyfingers soaked in coffee, followed by a layer of tiramisu mixture, then another layer of ladyfingers, repeating until you reach the final layer of the dish.
On the second-to-last layer of ladyfingers after placing the tiramisu mixture, grate dark chocolate bar on top of it before continuing to assemble with another layer of ladyfingers and tiramisu mixture. It is important to finish off the tiramisu with a layer of tiramisu mixture on top; then sprinkle bitter cocoa powder according to taste.
