Tiramisu

This was a very food-filled weekend. After going into Nicole's for takoyaki and okonomiyaki, a couple of my cousins came over for a potluck. I made tiramisu for dessert, definitely tried and true ^^

Ingredients (Serves 6-10)
3 eggs, separated
0.25 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
475g mascarpone
1-2 shots rum (optional)
1 cup coffee
1-2 shots coffee liquer
200g ladyfingers
cocoa powder for dusting


Method:
Beat egg whites until stiff. Set aside.
Beat yolks, sugar and vanilla until creamy.
Add in mascarpone and rum and beat until smooth.
Fold in egg whites.

In a wide, shallow bowl, mix together coffee and coffee liqueur.

Spread a thin layer of cream on the bottom of a large bowl (2.5L) or rectangular pan (9x13).
Hold the ladyfingers so the flat side is parallel to the counter. Dip the bottom half into the coffee mixture.
Place the biscuits as a single layer, then spread the cream.
Arrange the next layer of biscuits so they are perpendicular to the first layer.
Finish with a layer of cream.
Cover and chill in the refridgerator for at least 3 hours for the biscuits to soften.
Just before serving, sprinkle with cocoa.

Comments:
If you are worried about bacteria, quickly rinse the eggs with hot water. Be careful not to leave the eggs in the water, or they will cook. You could also probably bypass this by using whipped cream and cream of tartar to give it volume.

Ladyfingers will soak up the liquid quickly, so don't keep it there, or it will disintegrate. If the biscuits still feel hard, don't worry. They will soften between the layers of cream.

Liquor is optional; it just gives it more flavour.
The easiest way to sprinkle cocoa powder is to keep some in a spice shaker and just shake it out. Any clumps should separate.

The ingredients for this are rather expensive, but it's worth it. You can get both the cheese and the ladyfingers at Italian markets for slightly better prices.

This is rather rich, so it would be a good idea not to serve restaurant-sized portions after a big dinner.


Verdict:
Did I not say "tried and true"? ^^ I love it, but Will's not so into desserts, so I can only make this when we have people over.