Tiramisu

Aunt Patty makes the most amazing Tiramisu! This is a favorite dessert tradition when we are at their house for dinner.

This recipe should be made at least 3 hours before serving or early in the day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 16 ounce container mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup coffee flavored liqueur
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 – 1 ounce squares semi-sweet chocolate, grated
  • 1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso-coffee powder
  • 2 3-4 and 1/2 ounce packages soft ladyfingers

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, with wire whisk or fork, beat mascarpone, salt, 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, 3 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2/3 of grated chocolate. Set aside remaining chocolate for the top of the dessert.
  2. In a small bowl with a mixer at medium speed, beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. With rubber spatula or wire whisk, fold whipped cream into cheese mixture.
  3. In a small bowl, stir instant espresso powder, remaining 1/3 cup coffee flavored liqueur, remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of water.
  4. Separate ladyfingers into halves. line a 2 and 1/2 quart glass or crystal bowl with one fourth of the ladyfingers (insides facing up); brush with 2 tablespoons espresso mixture. Spoon one-third of cheese mixture over ladyfingers. Repeat with ladyfingers, espresso mixture, and cheese mixture to make two more layers. Top with remaining ladyfingers, gently pressing ladyfingers into cheese mixture. Sprinkle remaining grated chocolate over top of the dessert, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
  5. In small bowl, with mixture at medium speed, beat remaining 1/2 cup cream and remaining 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar until stiff peaks form.
  6. Spoon whipped cream mixture into decorating bag with large star tube. Pipe large rosettes on top of the dessert (or just spread cream on top).
  7. Sprinkle reserved grated chocolate on top of whipped cream. Refrigerate until chilled to blend flavors. At least 2 hours.