Tiramisu

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a delicious dessert that has been one of the most popular Italian dishes. It is served in many restaurants and has been altered to create many desserts. In Italian it means "carry-me-up". Although it is specifically unknown were it was created, some say that a similar dessert was invented in northwestern Tuscany. The classic tiramisu was said to have been created in Le Beccherie, a restaurant in Treviso, Italy. Another story says that during World War I, women sent this high caffeine dessert with the men to give them energy to fight. This dessert is made of sponge cake, lady fingers soaked in liquor, and cream chesse or mascarpone cheese. This dessert is so light the tasty.

Tiramisu

Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 pound mascarpone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups strong espresso (should be cooled)
• 2 teaspoons dark rum
• 24 packaged ladyfingers
• 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.

In a small shallow dish, add remaining espresso and rum. Dip each ladyfinger into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.

Spread evenly 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.

Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.

Before serving, sprinkle with chocolate shavings.