Tiramisu

Sorry friends, I could not get to blog for a week. Been busy. Last week I finally got the courage and decided to make Tiramisu for the Super Bowl Night. It was pretty easy to make and was a hit. I followed the recipe given by my sister's co-worker. I'm going to make it again tonight for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients:
2 small tubs of mascarpone cheese(Italian soft cheese),about 500 gms
4 eggs
1/2 C whipping cream
1 1/2 C strong coffee or espresso
4 T rum extract or 1 small bottle Baileys or brandy
2 small packs 24 per pack lady finger(cookie)
1/2 + 2 T white sugar
cocoa for dusting
chocolate shavings(optional)

Method:
1. Separate the 4 eggs into two bowls.
2. Beat the egg yolks until they are light in color, then slowly add 1/2 cup of sugar. mix well and add the mascarpone cheese. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold this into the cheese and egg mixture.
4. Beat the 1/2 cup of whipping cream in a chilled bowl, until stiff. Fold this into the cheese mixture.
5. In another container, mix the espresso or strong coffee with 4 tablespoons of rum extract and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well and allow to cool.

How to assemble:
1. Either dip or brush each side of the lady fingers with the coffee mixture and arrange on the bottom of 2 9x9x3 glass dish. Cut the cookies to fit if required.
2. Add a generous layer of the cheese/cream mixture. Top with  another layer of the lady fingers, and spread another layer of cream on top. Dust the top with sifted cocoa and chocolate shavings.
3. Chill for 2 hours or overnight.

Makes 2 small cakes in a square 9x9x3 glass dish.

Note:
If you dip the cookies or brush them too much with coffee, the cookies will become soggy.

I mixed 2 tablespoons of imitation rum extract in the coffee for one cake.