Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Tiramisu

  Tiramisu



An Italian dessert of universal popularity. It was a food fave almost two decades ago and now has become a common household name. Many good supermarkets and delis have it ready in all shapes and sizes. The key ingredient is mascarpone; a delightful cream cheese which is apparently best described as cloud like and heavenly by the Italians!



The literal translation of the word Tiramisu means "pick me up".  It is flavoured with coffee and coffee liqueur. It is always fun to try new things and one can get creative and try it with a combination of  berries and rum,  lemon curd and limoncello, rum and raisins and whatever else you fancy that day !!

Ingredients

2 cup whipping cream
500 gms mascarpone cheese
11/4 cup fine or powdered sugar
pinch of salt
Coffee Liqueur 3tbsp + 2 tbsp
Instant coffee granules 2 tbsp + 4 tsp
1 cup water
3 tbsp fine sugar
shavings of dark chocolate
36 Ladyfinger/Savoiardi

Step 1
In a bowl beat the cream till soft peaks are formed
Keep aside,  but it should remain cold.

Step 2
In another bowl beat only till smooth
500gms of cream cheese preferably mascarpone, at room temperature
The fine or powdered sugar
pinch of salt

Step 3
In a pan heat till melted
3 tbsp coffee liqueur; Kahlua or Tia Maria
2 tbsp strong coffee granules
Cool slightly.

Pour into  the cream cheese mixture and fold it in gently with a spatula.

Fold in the whipped cream.

Step 4
In another pan heat till dissolved
1 cup warm water
4 tsp of coffee
3 tbsp sugar
add to this
2tbsp coffee liqueur; Tia maria or Kahlua
Pour into a bowl to cool.

Assemble
36 ladyfinger biscuits or sponge cake cut in fingers.


Soak the ladyfinger one at a time in the coffee espresso, arranging at the bottom of your bowl. Pour   1/3rd of the cream cheese mixture. Now arrange the rest of the ladyfingers on the side of the bowl and on top of the cream cheese and pour the remaining half of the cream cheese mixture. Top up with one more layer of soaked ladyfinger biscuits and cover with the remaining cream cheese mixture. Decorate with chocolate shavings.

Tips

Lady fingers are called savoiardi in Italian and available in most supermarkets. It is possible for people who bake to make them at home.
Using a favourite cream cheese will also make the Tiramisu. Choose a creamy one for richness.

The same dessert can be made by using thin layers of sponge cake and layering it. Use a springform pan if you are not sure of it standing up, or slicing the cake perfectly. it stores well, and cuts well. Dress each plate individually to make it look attractive.

This recipe will make two bowls of pudding as shown in the picture. Serves 25 people.

For my Tiramisu with a twist of lemon and passion fruit, click the link.

My cookbook available now, The Art of Parsi Cooking; reviving an ancient cuisine.

For more delicious recipes try my crepes, fondues and olive chicken for your next party.
Click to download  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2US0EK

Niloufer's Kitchen: Winter

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