Tiramisu

The weather is scorching outside, but I'm nice and cool. I'm sitting here enjoying one of my favorite desserts! When the girls were little we would go out for dinner and for dessert they would always want Tira-Minnie-Sue. Most of my days though are short on time, long on ambition; so I have recipes in several forms depending on the amount of time I have. I love this version of Tiramisu, it has all the flavors I'm craving with a whole lot less work.

Tiramisu

2 packages ladyfingers, (soft ones)

1 pound mascarpone cheese

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 tablespoons sugar

1 cup brewed coffee or espresso, whichever you prefer

3 tablespoons Amaretto, or 2 teaspoons almond extract

Dark chocolate bar for shaving

In an 8" square baking dish arrange single layer of ladyfingers, cut one row in 1/2 to fit. Combine coffee, amaretto, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl. Using a squeeze bottle or pitcher with a lip, put 1/3 of liquid on the ladyfingers.

In mixer bowl combine whipping cream, 3 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until stiff.

In mixing bowl fold together mascarpone and whipping cream.

Spread one-third of the mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers. Add another layer of ladyfingers and then another 1/3 or the coffee liquid and then spread a layer of cream over that.

You should get three layers. Top with chocolate shavings. I like to make sure my bar is on the warm side so you can get nice curls with a vegetable peeler. A wide peeler works great if you want longer curls. Put in refrigerator for a couple of hours till firm. Chopping the bar in small pieces works great too.

Serves 8.

Enjoy,

Gina