Recipe

Nonna's Tiramisu Recipe

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Ingredients

2-3 c espresso .
3/4 c sugar .
6 tbsps Kahlua (optional) .
1 lb mascarpone or ricotta cheese (mascarpone is preferable) .
1 lb ladyfingers .
4 eggs, separated .
1 oz dark chocolate or some cocoa powder (to garnish)

Directions

Step #1 Brew 2-3 c of espresso or very strong coffee (I use my Bialetti stove top moka pot).
Step #2 Allow coffee to cool completely & stir in the liqueur.
Step #3 Pull a 13x9 pan, a large bowl, & a small bowl out of your cboard.
Step #4 Separate eggs, placing egg whites in the smaller bowl & egg yolks in the larger bowl.
Step #5 Beat egg white with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Step #6 Do not over beat (or underbeat for that matter) the egg whites as this will ruin the consistency of the cream.
Step #7 Leaving the egg whites separate for the time being, add sugar to the egg yolks & beat until well mixed.
Step #8 Then, add the mascarpone or ricotta & beat until creamy & well mixed.
Step #9 Fold egg whites into the cheese mixture.
Step #10 Pour coffee mix into a bowl/container with a flat bottom large enough to accomodate one lady finger.
Step #11 I start with a pool of coffee about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch deep.
Step #12 One by one, roll the lady fingers in the coffee.
Step #13 If you oversoak them the cake will be soggy & under soaking could lead to it being crunchy.
Step #14 If in doubt, do a test cookie.
Step #15 Soak the cookie, then cut it in half.
Step #16 If it has been soaked the correct amount, the outside will be brown & soft but the very center (where you have cut it) will still be white & firm.
Step #17 As you roll each lady finger in the coffee, line them up in the 13x9 inch pan.
Step #18 When the cookies don't fit comfortably, cut them (after soaking) to make them fit.
Step #19 When you have one layer of "cake", spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over it & place a second layer of soaked cookies over the cheese mixture.
Step #20 Top with remaining cheese mix.
Step #21 My grandmother garnishes her tiramisu by sprinkling cocoa powder over it but I use grated 60% dark chocolate & sometimes I throw some grated white chocolate on top of that.
Step #22 Place tiramisu in fridge & wait at least 6 hrs before serving.
Step #23 Note: This recipe freezes well so you can save leftovers for later if need be.
Enjoy the Nonna's Tiramisu recipe