Tiramisu

This beloved Italian dessert layers coffee-kissed ladyfingers with luscious mascarpone cream.

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 120g sugar
• 500g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 500ml heavy cream
• 2 packages (200g) ladyfinger cookies
• 500ml strong espresso, cooled
• 60ml coffee liqueur (optional)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Method

Make mascarpone cream

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in double boiler until thick and pale (5 minutes).
2. Cool completely.
3. Fold in mascarpone until smooth.
4. Whip cream to soft peaks, fold into mascarpone mixture.

Assemble

1. Combine espresso and liqueur in shallow dish.
2. Quickly dip each ladyfinger and arrange in single layer in 9x13 dish.
3. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers.
4. Repeat layers - dipped ladyfingers, then remaining cream.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serve

1. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving.
2. Add chocolate shavings if desired.
3. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Temperature tips

All dairy should be at room temperature for smooth mixing. The zabaglione (egg-sugar base) must cool completely before adding mascarpone.

Coffee strength

Use strong espresso or very strong coffee - the flavor needs to penetrate through the rich cream.

This make-ahead dessert actually improves with time as flavors meld and soften.