September 12, 2017

Tiramisu

A couple of weeks ago, I made tiramisu for a very special occasion.  Not only did I recently celebrate a big birthday, my brother - who's ten years old than I am - marked a milestone birthday of his own!
About a week before my brother's big birthday, my sister in law planned a family gathering to celebrate not only his birthday but ones for two of my nephews (late August and early early September is a busy time!).  There was champagne and nibbles, ice cream cake for the kids, and we planned to go out to dinner.  I wanted to contribute a little something to the at-home festivities and I knew it would be tiramisu.

My brother orders tiramisu for dessert almost every time we go out.  It might well be that we tend to go to an Italian restaurant when my siblings and I go out to dinner together but all the same, tiramisu is just a favorite dessert of his (and my husband, too; it seems to be a "guy" thing). Before this, I'd made individual tiramisu but I'd never done the traditional classic version in a larger serving pan.
I was a little nervous about this.  Making something you haven't really made before for a special occasion - even when it's just family who wouldn't mind if things aren't exactly stellar - is a bit daunting.  This is the time when you do some homework, cross your fingers, and get to work.

Making this tiramisu wasn't without some minor hitches but all was well.  My tiramisu, with amaretto as the liqueur of choice, turned out just fine.  I'm told it was quite tasty, actually.  I have to say I enjoyed what I tasted very much even though I'm no expert.  The important thing is that the birthday boy said it was as good as any restaurant's, and I have to be satisfied with high praise like that!
The tiramisu I turned out is a compilation of a few recipes, leaning heavily on David Lebovitz's recipe I used previously for the individually portioned ones.  It uses egg yolks as well as egg whites (as opposed to heavy cream), which I think makes for a lighter texture and flavor.  We don't personally have issues with using raw eggs but you have to decide on your comfort level in that regard.
It's no wonder so many people love tiramisu.  It's rich and creamy, yet so light.  The coffee flavor, as well as amaretto liqueur in my case, gives it just the right kick.  
Photos of the sliced tiramisu above are actually from the second tiramisu I made.  My husband angled for his own "personal pan" and I was happy to oblige.


I mentioned a couple of minor hitches when making the first tiramisu.  One of the problems I had was running out of the espresso mixture near the end.  Since I wasn't following a specific recipe, but something of a combination of a few, I had to estimate a bit on my first round.   
Luckily, it wasn't a huge issue to make more.  And let me tell you a "secret"... I use instant espresso powder to make the espresso (and it still turns out wonderfully).  If you can brew fresh espresso, by all means do so, and instead of using amaretto like I do, you can go with other common options including dark rum, marsala wine, or coffee liqueur.
I always worry a bit about mascarpone breaking...I vaguely remember you should use cold mascarpone cheese when incorporating it this way.  I can tell you that I used mascarpone cold from the fridge both times I made this tiramisu and it incorporates without a problem.  I whisk in a few big spoonfuls at a time and blend it right up with the egg yolks that I've also whisked until thick and pale yellow.
To lighten the filling, I fold in whipped egg whites (whipped cream is the other alternative you see often).  
Then it's the fun part of putting the tiramisu together.  I used a baking dish that's about 8x10 inches in size (measuring from the edges on top) though the interior/actual capacity is less.  Think of this recipe as enough to fill the more standard 9" square baking dish.  

In my case, I fit 9 ladyfingers into the bottom layer.  Then smoothed half the filling over the soaked biscuits.  
Top that with a dusting of cocoa powder, then repeat the process one more time. Since my baking dish has flared edges, I was able to fit 11 ladyfingers on the top layer.
If you can remember, leave off the final dusting of cocoa powder on top of the second layer of mascarpone filling until serving.  In the meantime, wrap the tiramisu up with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.  I like to do it the day before...that refrigerator resting time allows the ladyfingers to soften, the flavors to meld, and everything to blend together.  

"Frozen Hot Chocolate Tiramisu" (just for fun...)

With extra ladyfingers in hand, and with my little guy in mind, I had a little fun with the idea of tiramisu and made a couple of what I'm calling "frozen hot chocolate tiramisu".  
Kid-friendly spin on tiramisu, with layers of hot chocolate-dipped ladyfingers and ice cream
The idea came from Williams Sonoma's frozen tiramisu recipe but instead of dipping the ladyfingers in the usual espresso/coffee + liqueur combination, I dipped them in (cooled) hot chocolate!  So what I have here is layers of hot chocolate-dipped ladyfingers, alternating with layers of ice cream instead of the mascarpone cheese and egg filling!  I used vanilla and chocolate ice cream.
I'll warn you that this is a little messy to make but if you're interested...start by lining a ramekin(s) with plastic wrap, leaving about a 2-3 inch overhang.  Take some ladyfingers, break them apart into big pieces and dip them in some cooled hot chocolate, then fit them into the bottom of the plastic wrap-lined ramekin.  Top with a layer of ice cream.  Repeat this again with another layer of the biscuits and another layer of ice cream.  Finally, finish it with a third layer of the biscuits, patting it down into the ice cream to flatten.  Cover the top of the ramekin with the plastic wrap and freeze overnight.  When you're ready to serve, set the ramekin in a bowl of warm water for a few seconds.  Invert on to a plate and remove the plastic wrap.  Dust the top with cocoa and/or top with chocolate shavings.

This frozen hot chocolate ice cream tiramisu is quite different from the classic but a fun frozen treat that anyone can enjoy!


Recipe:

Tiramisu

- Approximately 8 servings - 

1 cup espresso, cooled to room temperature (I make with 1 cup hot water and 3 tablespoons instant espresso powder)
4 tablespoons amaretto liqueur, divided
3 large or extra-large eggs, separated, at room temperature
Pinch of salt
6 tablespoons granulated sugar (use superfine sugar if you have it), divided 
8 ounces mascarpone cheese (chilled, straight from the refrigerator)
Approximately 20 Savoiardi Italian ladyfingers
Cocoa powder, for dusting

Espresso mixture: In a bowl, stir espresso with 3 tablespoons of the amaretto.  Set aside.

Mascarpone filling: In the bowl of stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip egg whites with a pinch of salt until they begin to get stiff.  Gradually add 3 tablespoons of the sugar and beat until stiff and glossy.  Scrape the whites into a small bowl.

Add egg yolks into the same mixer bowl with the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar.  Whisk the yolks and sugar together by hand until it turns light in color and thickens. Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of amaretto.  Gently beat in the mascarpone with the whisk, a few spoonfuls at a time, until combined and lump-free.  With a rubber spatula, fold in the beaten egg whites in 2 installments until fully incorporated.  The mascarpone cream should be fluffy and light.

Assembly:  Dip a ladyfinger into the espresso mixture, roll, and remove it within about 2-3 seconds.  Place it into the bottom of a 9-inch square pan (or similar capacity baking dish) and continue until you have an even base layer.  Spoon half of the mascarpone filling and spread it evenly on top of the ladyfingers.  Dust with a light coating of cocoa powder.  Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and the rest of the mascarpone filling.  

Chill before serving: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).  This is important to allow the flavors to meld together.  

Right before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.  Slice and serve cold.





24 comments:

  1. If I am going to make a classic tiramisu at home, then I will definitely try yours. It turned out really beautiful!

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  2. This has to be the prettiest tiramisu Monica, to me that is half the battle. I've never made this type of dessert before but it looks like you have really mastered it. Way to go!!!

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    1. You're kidding! Thank you, Cheri. I was really concerned about making a "messy" one where I couldn't slice it...it worked out, luckily. Thanks again!

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  3. I've said it before, and I'll say it again ... we have the same passion for recipes. I've always wanted to make this but am sure it could never be as pretty as yours! Your Tiramisu looks absolutely perfect. You nailed it again! Happy birthday to your brother. You must be a very good sister :)

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    1. I can't believe you haven't made tiramisu yet, Tricia. Believe me, yours would look/be a hundred times better! It's amazing how much there still is to make and try; it sure keeps us busy, learning and eating. Thank you!!

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  4. I'm Italian and sad to say I've never made this at home! Thanks for the motivation! It turned out perfectly!

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    1. Thanks, Ashley. It's definitely a great indulgence to enjoy out at a restaurant but if you want to make it for a group at home, it's totally do-able.

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  5. One of my favourite desserts. Your's is just perfect with such neat layers. I have this sudden craving of Tiramisu after looking at it here. So delicious!

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    1. Thank you, Sonali. I was happy it turned out neat enough and set enough to slice and plate. : )

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  6. Tiramisu always reminds me of my family! (who are very italian lol) It was always around growing up and yet for whatever reason I've never tried making it myself! You have me rethinking this! It looks like it came out perfectly Monica!

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    1. Oh, there must have be many wonderful Italian family meals for you! Love it! Thanks, Ashley.

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  7. Tiramisu is my one of my husband's favorite cakes. Yours looks gorgeous and the layers are perfect, Monica! I love that you used ice cream instead! So sweet of you to make this for your brother - I bet it was a huge hit! :)

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    1. The men do seem to enjoy their tiramisu, Kelly! ; ) The ice cream version was fun to try but after you have the strong coffee/liqueur one, it's hard to reconcile the tame ice cream version. haha

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  8. Tiramisu is really rich and delicious with so many complimenting flavors. Love your idea of adding a little kick to your espresso , will have to try that next time. My favorite photo is your sliced photo showing all the delicious layers. So craving this for breakfast now... LOL

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    1. Thanks so much. Tiramisu for breakfast might be a stretch but I never ever judge. ; )

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  9. Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts, I start drooling only when looking at your pictures. It looks absolutely perfect. I had already planned to make tiramisu again at the beginning of October for a friend's birthday. A huge batch enough for 20 people or so. Can't wait!!! :)

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    1. Oh, your tiramisu must be fabulous, I'm sure! Enjoy making (and eating!) it!!

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  10. Hi Monica, Your tirmaisu looks absolutely perfect. My husband came back yesterday from his trip and told me that he and his friends had tiramisu almost everyday when in Italy and creme brulee when in France. Now looking at your dish I am scratching my head how to make these lady fingers gluten free.

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    1. Hi Bal - sounds like your husband had a pretty good trip!! Now I want creme brulee, which I do adore! ; ) Do you ever use generic gluten free flour (as in do you have a favorite "brand" like Cup 4 Cup, etc.) that you can substitute...?

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  11. Happiest Birthday to your brother!!!
    Hands down one of my most favorite desserts like many. I haven't made this in ages, but had it in our favorite place. This looks perfect.
    Hope all is well hon.
    xo

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Asha. Yes, tiramisu is a great treat to enjoy out at a restaurant. Having a big tray of it at home is a bit dangerous. ; ) All is well and hopping along here. I'm sure it's busy at your end. Hope all is well with you and the family!

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  12. Made this yesterday. Super easy. Let it sit in fridge 24 hours. But, despite tasting delicious, the lady fingers were soggy and the marscapone was runny. What happened ?

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    1. Hi Maria - sounds like maybe you dipped the lady fingers a bit too long in the espresso mixture? They do soak up liquid quickly so you should try to quickly dip each side for only about 2 seconds. It's tricky because you want plenty of that espresso flavor but if they soak too long, they get soggy and break apart. Maybe liquid from the biscuits seeped and made your cream wet so that it was runny. The whipped egg whites (some recipes use whipped cream) helps "hold up" the cream part, too. If you whipped that and things looked like here, sounds like it was the biscuits.
      I usually have issues with my custards and puddings not setting so I know your pain. Hope you have more success next time!

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