Classic Tiramisu

Growing up in an Italian family the word mangia, which means eat, was commonly heard. From homemade pastas and soups to decadent desserts, there was never a shortage of scrumptious goodies to be found that were a tribute to our heritage. 

As an adult one of my very favorite Italian desserts is tiramisu. A coworker of mine recently brought this no bake tiramisu to work. It was absolutely one of the best tiramisu recipes I had ever tasted, and when I found it was a no bake it was definitely for me.

Ingredients:

3 egg yolks                       

½ Cup sugar

½ Cup milk

1 pk mascarpone cheese* (8oz)        

1 ¾ Cup heavy cream         

2 pk ladyfingers (3 oz each)   

1/3 Cup coffee liqueur (or brandied espresso**)

Unsweetened cocoa powder for garnish

Chocolate curls for garnish

Directions:

1.   In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until lemon colored, about 1 minute. Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stir constantly, until mixture boils for 1 minute, remove from heat and allow cooling slightly. Cover tightly and chill in refrigerator 1 hour.

2.   Add mascarpone cheese to yolk mixture, beat until smooth.

3.   Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

4.   Fold whipped cream into egg yolk mixture; set aside.

5.   Line bottom and side with ladyfinger halves. Brush with coffee liqueur.

6.   Spread one third of yolk-cream mixture over ladyfingers, repeat layers.

7.   Garnish with cocoa and chocolate curls.

8.   Cover and refrigerate overnight or until it set. 

* Substitute for mascarpone cheese:  

Combine 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream and 2 table spoons whipping cream, mix until blended and fluffy.

** Brandied Espresso:

Combine 1/3 cup hot water and 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules. Stir until coffee is dissolved.  Blend in 1 teaspoon brandy.