Tiramisu (From Pasta & Other Things)
By: Tony
Published: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 3:40am

Ingredients




1 package of Italian lady fingers (Savoiardi) (For completely homemade, make your own Italian 
4 eggs, separated
2/3 cup of powdered sugar
1 pound of mascarpone cheese
2 cups chilled whipping cream
6 tablespoons amaretto
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups of instant espresso, cooled, or a strong brew of instant coffee
3 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely grated

Preparation

1 In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar until the mixture is thickened and lemon colored. 2 Add the mascarpone cheese and mix thoroughly. 3 In another bowl whip the cream until firm peaks are formed. Fold the cream into the cheese mixture; add the cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of amaretto. 4 Line a 9” x 13” inch pan with lady fingers dipped in the espresso. 5 Pour in half the cheese mixture, smooth and drizzle 2 tablespoons of amaretto. 6 Add another layer of the lady fingers dipped in the espresso. 7 Pour the remaining cheese mixture on top, smooth and drizzle 2 tablespoons of amaretto. 8 Top with chocolate shavings. 9 Place in fridge for at least 4 hours. 10 Dust with more cocoa powder before serving. Note: Don't make Tiramisu too far in advance, maybe the night before you need the dessert.

About


Tiramisu is one of the most popular Italian cakes. It is made of biscuits (usually Savoiardi, known as Lady Fingers in the US) dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks and mascarpone, and flavored with liquor and cocoa. The recipe has been adapted into many varieties of puddings, cakes and other desserts.
The history for this dessert is sketchy at best since so many people claim they invented it. Some researchers have traced it’s origin to the early 1960’s in a town in Tuscany called Treviso, but there are also claims that go back to the 17thcentury, once again involving the Medici family. There is even an account of the recipe's invention at an Italian brothel (to provide an energy boost to exhausted clients). Tiramisu means literally "pull me up" (pick me up) in Italian.