Tiramisu – Valentine recipe
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert. The word Tiramisu means (pick me up) and that,I think, is just the right name for a dessert like this. One bite and you will understand why it is named Tiramisu. I call it extra tasty, because it is full of complex but, at the same time, interesting flavors. Tiramisu is one of those desserts, that will shout out loud saying “Pick me up”. And it’s totally worth it.
A Coffee flavored layered creamy dessert that looks heavenly luxurious when served elegantly. It’s strong and rich, so I think small serves are much better then a big cake. When you decide to make Tiramisu; your Valentine surprise dessert, serve it with a grace. I used these elegant looking mocktail glasses to serve my Tiramisu. When you decide to make Tiramisu; think of something pretty and elegant from your crockery cabinet.
There are a few different elements that go in the making of Tiramisu at home. I will try to explain every thing, step wise. In case you are not clear about something, please do write me, I will try my best to clear your doubts.
- Savoiardi (lady fingers made in round shape to fit the glasses
1. Savoiardi – Cookies are the base of the dessert, and the cookies used in the Tiramisu recipe are called Savoiardi or lady fingers. Savoiardi are available in the market, and you can use them. Market bought cookies will save your time, but making Savoiardi cookies at home is really not a difficult task. I am sharing the recipe below.
Savoiardi are in the usually long but I made them round shape. They were the perfect fit to my glass. Savoiardi are special as they soak up so much liquid (coffee) and yet remain fluffiest rather than being denser. When baked Savoiardi have a crisp crust, with a very airy and soft interior. It’s a fab texture.
2. Zabaione, A smooth fluffy custard, that has to be incorporated with Mascarpone and cream. Zabaione can be a dessert in itself, just serve it with some fresh fruits, its delicious and luscious
2. Zabaione – is a light custard, made with egg yolks and sugar. Traditionally making of Zabaione for Tiramisu requires some kind of liquor. Brandy or rum is ideal, because it contrasts with the sweet eggy cloud of deliciousness of Zabaione. If you plan to make Tiramisu for your kids, you can skip the alocohol bit.
Making Zabaione can be little tricky so read these points carefully :
The yolks and sugar are cooked on a double boiler which will need continuous whisking. It is very important that the bowl you choose for making Zabaione should fit snugly and should sit comfortably over the pan of hot water, without tilting to one side while whisking.
Select a glass bowl to make Zabaione, its insular properties prevent the Zabaione from overcooking in spots. The stainless steel or ceramic bowls heats too quickly and unevenly. + Water should be simmering not boiling, during the whole process of making; to prevent crumbling of the egg yolks.
The ingredients together will make the flavours magic in the glasses
Mascarpone cheese- You can buy mascarpone or I am sharing a link here – How to make Mascarpone cheese at home.
You will also need some Heavy whipping cream, some cocoa powder, some good quality chocolate to grate on the top and strong espresso to dip the Savoiardi. Fantastic combination will lead to a fantastic Valentine dessert. Tiramisu needs to sit in the fridge overnight or 7 to 8 hours before you dig into. Don’t be in a hurry to try, which I know will be difficult.
INGREDIENTS
For Savoiardi ( lady fingers)
1. 1/2 cup of cake flour (you can mix a tea-spoon of corn flour to your all-purpose flour to make cake flour
2. 3 large eggs separated (It’s easier to separate the yolks and white when the eggs are cold. Then leave them to get to room temperature)
3. 60 gm of granulated white sugar
4. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
5. A pinch of salt
6. 1/4th cup of icing sugar
METHOD
Preheat the oven at 200*C (400*F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a clean bowl whisk the egg yolks with 30 gm of sugar using an electric hand mixer. Beat it till you get thick pale yellow color.Beat in the vanilla extract.
In another clean bowl beat in the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric hand mixer. Gradually add in the reaming sugar and continue to beat till stiff peaks form and the whites are glossy.
Sift the cake flour over the egg yolk mix and fold in using a spatula or a metal spoon. Gradually add in the beaten egg whites and fold all three together. Use a big bowl to mix all, and remember not to over mix the batter.
Transfer the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip (7.5 cm). Pipe the batter on to the prepared baking tray in small cookie size. Dust some icing sugar over the top of the piped cookies on the baking tray; before putting in the oven. Remember to space the cookies at least 2 inch away from each other.
Bake for ten minutes and your Savoiardi are done. One very important note here – You will have to remove the Savoiardi from the parchment paper using a flat spatula; when the cookies are hot or they stick to the paper.
INGREDIENTS
For the Zabaione
1. 3 egg yolks
2. 1 tablespoon of wine
3. 2 tablespoons of sugar
4. A pinch of salt
5. Arm muscles (hahaha)
METHOD
Fill a large saucepan with several inches of water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat until the water maintains a strong simmer. Place the egg yolks, wine, and sugar into a mixing bowl. Place the bowl over the simmering water. Beat constantly with a wire whisk until the zabaione turns pale yellow and thickens to the consistency of softly whipped cream. Scrape the zabaglione into a clean mixing bowl, and set over ice, stirring occasionally until cold.
More ingredients for Tiramisu
1. 1 1/2 cup of strong espresso coffee
2. 1 cup of Mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
3. 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
4. 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
5. Some good quality chocolate to grate
To assemble
In a clean bowl, smoothen out the mascarpone cheese using a whisk and fold in the prepared Zabaione. Then add in the whipping cream (beaten till the stiff peaks) and fold in all three. For each Tramisu glass dip Savoiardi (ladyfinger) into the coffee and place on the bottom of the serving glass. Add a layer of creamy cheese mix, then another layer of coffee dipped Savoiardi. Top with another layer of creamy mix. I used a piping bag to make bumps on the top, but it’s totally optional. Sprinkle some cocoa powder and grated chocolate on the top and chill in the fridge for several hours.
Enjoy with the one you love the most and make memories ! cheers
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