DESSERTS
TIRAMISU
The Authentic Italian Tiramisu is a timeless and beloved dessert that has become synonymous with the rich culinary heritage of Italy. This classic confection is a symphony of delicate flavors and textures, combining airy ladyfingers soaked in a robust espresso, layered with a velvety mascarpone cheese mixture, and dusted with a fine layer of cocoa powder. The name Tiramisu, meaning "pick me up" in Italian, aptly describes the uplifting effect of this creamy, coffee-infused delight. Tiramisu is not just a dessert; it is a celebration of simplicity and elegance, a staple at Italian gatherings, and a favorite indulgence for connoisseurs of fine desserts worldwide.
Recipe and Ingredients for 4 Guests
- Mascarpone Cheese: 500 grams
- Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): 24 biscuits
- Strong Espresso Coffee: 300 ml, cooled
- Eggs: 4 large, separated
- Sugar: 100 grams
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For dusting
- Dark Rum or Marsala Wine (Optional): 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
preparation
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: Mix the cooled espresso with rum or Marsala and vanilla extract. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture, ensuring they don’t get too soggy.
- Make Mascarpone Cream: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy. Add mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.
- Assemble: Layer the soaked ladyfingers in a dish, cover with half of the mascarpone cream, add another layer of ladyfingers, and finish with the remaining cream.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
food cost
Estimated Costs
- Mascarpone Cheese: 500 grams. Approximate cost: ¥60
per 500 grams. Total: ¥60.
- Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): 24 biscuits. Approximate cost: ¥20 per pack. Total: ¥20.
- Espresso Coffee: 300 ml. Approximate cost: ¥10.
- Eggs: 4. Approximate cost: ¥2 per egg. Total: ¥8.
- Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Dark Rum/Marsala Wine, Vanilla Extract: Approximate total cost: ¥15.
Total Cost for 4 Servings
- Ingredients: ¥113
Total Ingredient Cost: ¥113
Cost Per Serving
Cost Per Serving = ¥113 / 4 ≈ ¥28.25 per serving
Wine Pairing Suggestion
For the Authentic Italian Tiramisu, a sweet dessert wine would be an excellent choice. A Moscato d'Asti or a Vin Santo, with their luscious sweetness and hints of honey and dried fruits, would beautifully complement the creamy and coffee flavors of the Tiramisu. Alternatively, a slightly chilled Brachetto d'Acqui, known for its light effervescence and notes of red berries, can add a delightful contrast to the richness of the dessert.