ModernGear Food: Tiramisu

Today's yummy recipe comes from our friend Kathryn at Kiki's Kitchen! Thanks, Kiki!

Now, I always think the hallmark of a great chef is his or her desserts. Everything from the selection of the dish to the ingredients is as important as the way they're ultimately put together. One of the things I appreciate most about Kathryn's recipes is that she starts with the very best of ingredients, and makes her magic from there.

Impress your guests with this delicious classic (read all about Tiramisu here so you can also wow them with your trivia) and they'll ask for it every time...

TIRAMISU

INGREDIENTS

2 large eggs

1/3 cup white sugar

1/4 cup marsala wine or dry sherry

1 pound marscapone cheese

1 package ameretti cookies - about 40 total

for soaking the cookies:

1/2 cup cold espresso coffee

1/4 cup dry sherry or Kahlua

1/2 cup white sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. In a stainless steel or ceramic bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water whisk 2 egg yolks, 1 egg white and the 1/3 cup of white sugar until thick - about 3 minutes or so.

2. Remove from heat and continue whisking until it is cool.

3. Meanwhile, warm the Marsala or sherry and slowly pour into the egg mixture; whisk until mixed through.

4. In a standing mixer or with a hand-held mixer, blend the marscapone cheese into the egg/sugar/wine until smooth - about 3 minutes.

For the cookies:

1. Mix the espresso, sherry (Kathryn says - I personally HATE the taste of Kahlua so I don't use it) and sugar in a shallow pie plate and quickly coat half the cookies on both sides so that they are soft but NOT mushy.

To assemble:

1. For this recipe I used 4 stemless wine glasses for individual desserts. You can also use 1 round or square dish if you prefer.

2. Put about 4 of the cookies in the bottom of each wine glass.

3. Spoon a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the cookies.
4. Repeat with a layer of cookies and another layer of cheese.
5. Put the dessert in the fridge for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.

To serve:

1. Remove from the fridge about 20 minutes prior to serving.

2. Put the remaining cookies in a food processor to make crumbs to sprinkle on top of the desserts just before serving.

3. Enjoy!

P.S. Don't even THINK about counting the calories or fat content - you only live once after all!!! (also, I once tried making a low-fat version of this dessert and for that I should be severely punished)...