Tiramisu - an Italian delight!

Written by Larry Aiello

Tiramisu (An Italian Delight!)
10 servings

Tiramisu, one of the great desserts of Italian culture, actually means "pick me up" in the Italian lanaguage because of the eggs and sugar, and of course the high-caffeine content from the espresso coffee. Legend has it that it was used by the Venetian courtesans when they needed a "pick me up" while they were preparing for their next client. Also known as "Tuscan Trifle", the origins of tiramisu are not clear, although many believe it was invented in Siena or Treviso.

Irregardless of the origin, here is a recipe for Tiramisu - Enjoy!

You will need:

6 egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup Kahlua
1/3 cup regular-strength coffee
1 lb mascarpone cheese (or ricotta)
2 cups whipping cream
3/4 cup extra-strong coffee
26 giant italian ladyfingers
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated finely

In bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes.
Whisk in 1/4 cup EACH of the Kahlua and regular strength coffee.
Transfer to double boiler over gently simmering water and whisk constantly for about 7 minutes or until thickened.
Let cool.
Beat cheese until smooth (if using ricotta cheese, finished product won't be as smooth and creamy but just as delicious).
Fold in egg mixture.
Whip cream, then stir one-quarter of it into egg mixture.
Fold in remaining cream.
Combine remaining Kahlua, regular coffee and extra-strength coffee.
Arrange half of the lady fingers in a 9 by 13 inch glass baking dish.
Brush with half of the coffee mixture.
Spread with half of the cream mixture.
Repeat layers.
Top with grated chocolate.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.