Tirami su

Rich Italian dessert made with mascarpone cheese and savoiardi dipped in coffee and marsala wine.
Sinful!

3 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup espresso or strong coffee
2 tbsp coffee liquor (Kahlua) or marsala wine
8 oz. mascarpone cheese
20 savoiardi/lady fingers/boudoirs
cocoa powder (unsweetened)

1. Beat egg yolks and sugar for 2-3 minutes.
   Add mascarpone cheese and beat 3-5 minutes, until smooth and creamy in colour.
2. Separately, whisk egg whites with a pinch of sugar, until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture.
4. Mix coffee, marsala wine/coffee liquor, 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp cocoa powder.
5. Dip each savoiardi into the coffee mixture, and align into a square or rectangular glass dish.
6. Top with a layer of mascarpone mixture.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6, finishing with a mascarpone layer.
8. Dust with cocoa powder.
9. Chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Salute!

~original recipe from an Italian friend, Giovanna – 1997

ticaro’s twist:
Prepare individual portions in small ramekin dishes or cocktail glasses.
Top with a decorative strawberry.

note:
Mascarpone cheese would typically be found in the cheese deli section of a supermarket. It is a creamy cheese that comes in a small plastic container. I have been using Belgioioso’s since the earlier days.