Tiramisu and Brownies-Not As Hard As You Think

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

14 Feb 2007 07:02 AM

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert. Characterized by Lady Fingers soaked in espresso, this dish is typically even enjoyed by those who aren't big sweets fans. The reason-it's not too sweet. Sure, there's sugar in it, but the creaminess of the Mascarpone cheese custard evens out the flavors, providing a mellow yet deliciously decadent dessert.

Serve this dish the next time you have guests over-they'll think you're a culinary genius, and you'll never have to tell them how easy the dish is to prepare.

For this dish you'll need:

6 egg yolks, room temperature

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup dark rum (you may omit this and use only espresso if you'd like-add 1 tsp. vanilla)

¼ cup espresso

16 ounces Mascarpone cheese

1 package of ladyfingers

Additional rum and espresso for dipping

To assemble:

Combine egg yolks and sugar and whisk until light and creamy. Add the rum and espresso and mix well. Then add the Mascarpone cheese.

Dip ladyfingers in a mixture of rum and coffee then place in a dish. Top with half the cream mixture. Layer another layer of espresso-dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream mixture. Chill until ready to serve.

Just before serving, top with shaved bittersweet chocolate (use a veggie peeler) and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.

Brownies

Do these need an introduction? I think not.

For this recipe you'll need:

6 eggs

3 TB coffee granules

2 TB vanilla extract

2 ¼ cups granulated sugar

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 pound milk chocolate

1 pound butter, softened

1 cup flour

1 TB baking powder

1 tsp. salt

12 ounces milk chocolate chips

2 cups chopped walnuts

To make this recipe:

Whisk the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar together.

Melt and cool the chocolate and butter, then pour into the sugar mixture.

Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon.

Add chocolate chips and walnuts and stir to combine. Pour into a ½ sheet pan (13x18x1 ½) that has been buttered and floured.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Makes 20 BIG brownies.

Still Hungry? Try This Cheesecake!

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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