Tiramisu

We figured it was about time we started a dessert section to this blog, so we're starting with one of our all-time favorites - Tiramisu.  It’s not as hard to make as you might think, but so delicious!  I do have to tell you that it is NOT low-calorie, however.  Sometimes you just gotta not worry about it!  Enjoy.

Yummy slice of Tiramisu, my favorite birthday dessert!

Ingredients

3 tbl. sugar

2 egg yolks

2 ounces cream cheese

5 & 3/8 oz. of Mascarpone cheese

3 tsp. brandy

7 oz. heavy whipping cream (whipped)

2 cups espresso or very strong coffee (we use a chocolate flavored coffee for an added zing)

1 oz. additional brandy

2 tbl. additional sugar

24 French-style lady finger cookies (you can usually find in your grocery deli, or make your own)

3 tbl. powdered sweetened cocoa mix

chocolate covered espresso beans (optional, for garnishing the top)

Directions

For the Cream Mixture

• In an electric mixer, whip together the sugar and egg yolks on high speed until pale yellow and thick.
• With mixer on medium speed, add the cream cheese and whip until smooth.
• Add the mascarpone and brandy and mix until incorporated.
• Fold in the whipped cream, then refrigerate until ready to use

 For the Expresso/Coffee mixture

• Combine the espresso or strong coffee, additional brandy, and sugar and mix well

 Preparation

• Arrange half of the lady fingers on the bottom of a platter
• Spoon the expresso/coffee mixture over the lady fingers until saturated
• Top the lady fingers with a layer of the cream mixture
• Arrange a second layer of lady fingers on top of the cream mixture, and repeat above steps
• Sift the cocoa mix evenly over the top of the second layer of cream
• Arrange a few chocolate covered espresso beans on top of the finished tiramisu
• Refrigerate for a few hours before serving