Saturday, February 12, 2011

tiramisu


Tiramisu is an Italian dessert and is considered a semifreddo (a dessert served cold, but not frozen.)  Tiramisu has many variations with the only constant ingredient being the mascarpone cheese.  This is my all time favorite dessert which I will indulge in wholeheartedly. 

ingredients

2 packages ladyfingers, split
1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
1 (16 oz.) carton mascarpone cheese
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chocolate liqueur (Kahlua)
2 oz. chocolate baking squares
2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, grated
unsweetened cocoa powder

 optional enhancements
chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans
fresh mint sprigs
strawberries, raspberries and blueberries

directions

Line the bottom of an 8x8x2 baking pan with some of the ladyfingers, cutting to fit as necessary.  I added a few chocolate ladyfingers just for variety.  Drizzle half of the espresso over ladyfingers; set aside.

In a medium bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer just until stiff peaks form.  Lightly beat in the Kahlua.  Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, spreading evenly.  Sprinkle chocolate and bittersweet chocolate over the mascarpone mixture.  Top with another layer of ladyfingers.  Layer with remaining espresso and mascarpone cheese mixture. 
Cover and chill for 6 to 24 hours.  Sift cocoa powder over top of dessert.  Garnish with cocoa coffee beans (can be purchased at Trader Joe's.) Place a mint sprig and chocolate syrup on dish for presentation.   Serve with fresh berries that promises to please your palate. 
Yummy, yummy in my tummy!  xo

In honor of Abraham Lincoln, I share a few of his famous quotes:

"In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be wrong."

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."

"Surely God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for immortality."

"The Lord prefers common-looking people. That is why he makes so many of them."