Italian Tiramisu

I have the most wonderful Italian friend who I love dearly - Donna DePasqua. She is a fantastic cook and graciously shared her delicious recipe for Tiramisu. I am including her original recipe with a few optional adaptations.

Italian Tiramisu

14 oz. Lady Fingers

2 c Espresso Coffee

1/3 c Kahlua

8 Eggs (separate yolks from whites)

1-1/2 c Sugar

1 t Vanilla

1 lb. Marscapone Cheese

1/4 t Salt

Mix together coffee and Kahlua. Dip each lady finger into mixture and line a 9 x 13" glass pan.

Beat together: egg yolks, 3/4 c sugar, vanilla and mix until it forms long ribbons ~ about 5 minutes. Add Marscapone and beat 3 minutes. Set aside.

In a bowl, blend egg whites and remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and pinch of salt. Fold egg whites into Marscapone mixture, 1/3 portions at a time.

Pour half of mixture over lady fingers, then put another layer of lady fingers over batter, repeat layer ending with cheese mixture.

Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Chill

OPTIONS:

Homemade Whipped Cream

1 pink heavy whipping cream

1/2 c confectionery sugar

1/2 t vanilla

1 t espresso/Kahlua mixture

Whip until fluffy and top Tiramisu.

Mock Marscapone Cheese

2 8oz. cream cheese, soft

1/2 c heavy cream

5 T sour cream

1 c confectionery sugar

Beat with mixer until well blended. Makes 1-1/2 cups.

Marscapone is very expensive - this is a good alternative for the Tiramisu filling.