tiramisu
1 (8 inch cake or 8 parfait cups)
Ingredients
1 package Ladyfingers (whole foods brand)
2 cups Strong Espresso or Chai Tea
1 quart Heavy Cream
2 Tablespoons Confectioners Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 (4oz.) containers Mascarpone Cheese
1 (4 oz.) container Cream Fraiche
2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
4 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate
Instructions
If making a cake, line a 8 inch cake pan with plastic wrap. If making individual parfaits, 8 -fancy glassware or small bowls work very well.
With and electric beater, whip the Heavy Cream until stiff. Add the Vanilla and Confectioners Sugar, blend together. Set aside.
Place the Mascarpone Cheese and Creme Fraiche in a bowl and stir together until smooth. Set aside.
Place either the Espresso or Chai in a shallow dish. Dip the Ladyfingers in one at a time so they become just moistened but not too soggy. Place them in the bottom of the pan or glassware to form a single layer.
Spoon a layer of the Heavy Cream on top of the Ladyfingers.
With a sifter, dust the Cocoa Powder on top of the Heavy Cream.
Spoon a layer of the Mascarpone Cheese and Creme Fraiche mixture on top of the Cocoa Powder layer.
Continue layering the Moistened Ladyfingers, Heavy Cream, Cocoa Powder, and Cheese mixtures until you reach the top.
Finish with Heavy Cream.
Melt the Bittersweet Chocolate over a double boiler until smooth.
Pour the Chocolate on a sheet pan spreading it out in a thin layer with a spatula.
Let cool completely. Using the edge of a scraper or sharp knife, scrape the Chocolate into shavings or curls.
Garnish the top of your Tiramisu with the Chocolate curls.
Notes
Ok, so low fat this is not. But I can’t imagine a better dessert than Espresso and Heavy Cream with Chocolate!!
Tiramisu, Italian for “pick-me-up” has always been one of my favorites. So easy to make and for a nice change, the addition of Chai Tea instead of Espresso, is a good idea for kids with less caffeine and a spicy flavor they love. Whole Foods has a really good ladyfinger that is crisp, it holds up very well and doesn’t get too soggy. The addition of Creme Fraiche helps to lighten the heaviness of the Mascarpone and adds a tangy flavor that offers complexity to this dessert. You could omit the Cheese mixture entirely and just have the Whipped Cream as a layer as well. Not a traditional Italian dessert but then again, Nona isn’t watching.