Tiramisu

Tiramisu

 

50  amaretti cookies, crushed

3⁄4  cup Kahlua (coffee liqueur)

1⁄3  cup brandy

1⁄2  cup strong black coffee

2     pounds mascarpone cheese

8     eggs, separated

1⁄2  cup sugar

8     ounces bittersweet chocolate, grated,

       or 1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

20  glasses, or a 12-inch square serving dish

 

Arrange a quarter of the crusted amaretti cookies at the bottom of the glasses or serving dish. Put the Kahlua in a small bowl with the brandy and the coffee and stir. Pour a quarter of this mixture over the crusted cookies in the glasses or serving dish.

 

Put the mascarpone, egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and beat until smooth. Put the egg whites in a separate bowl and beat until stiff. Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture.

Spoon a quarter of the mascarpone mixture over the cookies. Repeat the layers three times, finishing with a layer of mascarpone mixture.

 

Sprinkle the grated chocolate or cocoa over the top of the tiramisu and refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

 

Top tip: Instead of topping the tiramisu with grated chocolate, melt the chocolate in the microwave in a plastic bag tied securely to close. Make a small hole in one corner and pipe 20 squiggles onto waxed paper. Let set, then insert the chocolate shapes upright into the individual glasses.