Tiramisu

Recipe by Neeta maushi & Maria Fernandez

Ingredients:

•  1 ¼ c Mascarpone cheese [12 oz preferably] [425 gms]
  * substitute for mascarpone cheese: cream cheese 8 oz + sour cream ¼ c
• 1 ½ tsp Coffee granules
• 6 fl oz Water (boiling)
• ¼ pint (1/2 c) Brandy
• 6 Egg yolks
• 1-¼ c [125 gms] Sugar
• 1-¾ c [450ml] Heavy (whipping) cream
• 150 gms Chocolate chips [finely ground]
• 2 pkts Trifle sponges / Lady fingers [2 ½ pkts if using larger dish]
• Sweetened whipped cream [optional]
  * combine ½ c whipping cream, 1 Tbsp confectioner’s sugar, ¼ tsp vanilla. Whip till stiff.
• Cocoa powder (garnish)
• Chocolate curls (garnish)

Method:

1. Dissolve coffee in boiling water and mix in brandy. Set aside.
2. Beat egg yolks and sugar, whisk thoroughly till thick and light. (Stiff enough to leave a trail with your finger).
3. Place in top of double boiler over boiling water. Reduce heat to low and cook 8 – 10 minutes stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat. Add mascarpone cheese, beating well.
5. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into egg yolk and cheese mixture. Set aside.
6. Line bottom of wide casserole dish with lady finger halves.
7. Pour half the coffee liqueur on the sponges.
8. Sprinkle half the ground chocolate chips over the sponges.
9. Spoon half the egg-cheese-cream mixture and spread on top.
10. Repeat procedure.
11. Decorate with whipping cream [optional / I prefer to omit], garnish with chocolate curls and cocoa powder.
12. Refrigerate several hours [overnight recommended].

Serves 12.