Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert, recognized and loved worldwide for its creamy texture and divine flavors of coffee and cocoa. This tiramisu recipe will not only indulge your taste buds but also add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or simply want to surprise your family with a refined dessert, this tiramisu is the perfect choice.

Total preparation time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

- 800 g of ladyfingers (preferably savoiardi)
- 750 g of mascarpone cheese
- 500 ml of liquid cream
- 5 teaspoons of instant coffee
- 8 egg yolks
- 200 g of powdered sugar + 5 teaspoons
- 2 essence of rum
- 50 ml of milk
- 1 liter of coffee (or cocoa water made from 1 liter of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa)

A touch of history:
Tiramisu first appeared in Italy in the 1960s, quickly becoming a symbol of Italian cuisine. Its name translates to "pick me up" or "load me up," paying tribute to the energy and vitality that coffee provides. It is a dessert that combines the simplicity of ingredients with the refinement of preparation, making it ideal for any occasion.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the egg yolk cream:
In a large bowl, add the 8 egg yolks and 200 g of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat at medium speed until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving an airy cream.

2. Add the flavors:
Incorporate the 2 essence of rum and the 50 ml of milk into the egg yolk mixture. These will provide a subtle note of flavor that perfectly complements the dessert.

3. The double boiler:
Place the bowl with the egg yolk mixture over a double boiler (make sure the bowl does not touch the boiling water). Whisk constantly for about 10 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves and the cream begins to thicken. This step will make the cream more stable and creamier.

4. Cooling the cream:
Once the cream has thickened, remove the bowl from the double boiler and let it cool completely.

5. Preparing the whipped cream:
While the cream is cooling, set aside 5 teaspoons of the liquid cream. The remaining cream will be whipped with a mixer until firm. It is important not to overbeat it, so it does not turn into butter.

6. Preparing the coffee mixture:
In another bowl, mix 5 teaspoons of instant coffee with 5 teaspoons of powdered sugar and 5 teaspoons of liquid cream. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous paste.

7. Mixing the mascarpone cheese:
Place the mascarpone cheese in another bowl and mix it gently until creamy. Then, add the cooled egg yolk cream and mix until everything is well combined.

8. Incorporating the whipped cream and coffee mixture:
Add the whipped cream to the mascarpone and egg yolk mixture, folding gently with a spatula to maintain the airiness. Finally, carefully incorporate the coffee mixture.

9. Assembling the tiramisu:
Prepare a serving dish (preferably rectangular or square). Quickly dip the ladyfingers in coffee (or cocoa water) and lay them in an even layer on the bottom of the dish. Be careful not to soak them too long, as they may fall apart.

10. Layers of cream:
After laying the first layer of ladyfingers, add a generous layer of mascarpone cream. Continue alternating layers of ladyfingers and cream, finishing with a layer of cream on top.

11. Cocoa powder:
After assembling the tiramisu, generously dust the surface with cocoa powder. This detail not only gives it an elegant appearance but also adds a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the cream.

12. Cooling:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (ideally overnight). This cooling time allows the flavors to blend perfectly.

Practical tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially mascarpone cheese and coffee, for a perfect taste.
- For a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- If you want a tiramisu with a more intense coffee flavor, you can add more instant coffee or use freshly brewed coffee.
- Experiment with adding cocoa or grated chocolate between layers of cream for a touch of luxury.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use raw eggs?
Traditionally, tiramisu contains raw eggs. If you prefer a safer version, you can cook the egg yolks over a double boiler, as explained in the recipe.

2. What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
You can use a combination of cottage cheese and sour cream, although the taste will be different. Mascarpone is ideal for its creamy texture.

3. How long can tiramisu be kept in the refrigerator?
Tiramisu can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it is covered to avoid absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

4. Can I freeze tiramisu?
Although not recommended, you can freeze tiramisu. However, the texture will be different upon thawing.

Complementary recipes:
Tiramisu pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed espresso or a sweet wine like Moscato. You can also try serving it alongside crunchy cookies or vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.

This tiramisu will surely be a hit at every meal, and its preparation will make you feel like a true dessert master. So, don your culinary apron and treat your loved ones with this quick and delicious dessert! Enjoy!