Tiramisu Dip

Some things in life need to be instant and without too much faff. Especially when entertaining guests or for one of those sneaky self indulgent dessert moments when no-ones looking. Whatever the occasion a little ‘pick me up’ behaves well when introduced as a dessert or as a cameo when served with freshly brewed coffee. Our take on a classic Tiramisu dessert awards you the time to chirp with friends or simply explore ones own thoughts with time to spare.

What is Tiramisu?

How fabulous, a desert that will ‘cheer me up’!

Tiramisu is an infamous Italian coffee flavoured desert, which when translated means ‘pick me up’ or ‘cheer me up’. It’s a balance of sweetness and bitterness from the coffee and cocoa powder, yet abundant in creaminess and with alcoholic cues hiding behind the sweetness of dessert. Bellissimo.

Recipe

• 50ml Coffea Liqueur
• 275g Mascarpone
• 64g Whipping cream
• 18g Caster sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Ladyfinger biscuits

Tools

• Mixing bowl - When whipping cream it will double in volume and splash a bit when whipped, so choose a bowl large enough before you begin.
• Whisk - Balloon whisks are designed to increase the amount of air when whipping cream, egg whites etc. by hand. Or alternatively you can use an electric hand mixer (beater) which is our preferred choice.
• Jigger - Bartending tool/dual ended cup for measuring spirits that is normally dual ended (50ml/25ml)
• Kitchen scales - For weighing ingredients
• Desert bowl - We’d suggest rummaging out those old glass sundae bowls from the back of the cupboards as this is the theatrical platform they’ve been waiting for.

Method

Whip the cream to when it starts thickening and add the sugar. Continue whipping until the cream is fluffy with small soft peaks. Next add the Mascarpone to a bowl with the Coffea Liqueur and gradually whip until smooth and light. Combine both Mascarpone and whipped cream by gently folding and scoop into dessert bowls. Generously sprinkle with Cocoa powder and serve with Ladyfingers.

Origin of Tiramisu - Debatable

There is some confusion to when Tiramisu was invented as it wasn’t present in cookbooks before the 60’s, with a first print in English in the 80’s. It’s thought that Le Beccherie an Italian restaurant added Tiramisu to their menu in 1972. An alternative theory is that Tiramisu originated from a variation of another Italian dessert called Zuppa Inglese, which would potentially date it as far back as the 16th century. It’s also claimed that it was invented by a brothel madam for it’s aphrodisiac properties in the 19th century. Whichever is true, it’s legacy remains for everyone to enjoy.