Recipe: Italian Tiramisu

500 gr of mascarpone cheese (you can easily find some popular pre-packed Italian brands like "Galbani". If you live in the US, try to avoid the "homemade"one because it's usually enriched with double cream and ruins the consistency of the final mix. I remember I once had to toss it bacause it had completely lost its creamy feature and was revolting)
4 eggs
7 tablespoons of sugar
bitter chocolate chips
cocoa powder
coffe (about 5 espresso size cups) + 1 spoon of marsala wine (This is a special Sicilian wine,if you don't find it, do not put anything else. You will make a wonderful tiramisu even without marsala wine)
finger buiscuits (1 packet)

Beat the whites until firm. Mix mascarpone, sugar, yolks and then gradually incorporate the whites. When the mix becomes creamy, add the chocolate chips (should be bitter to contrast with the sweetness of the cream) and pour a thin layer on the serving bowl (I usually serve it on a lasagna type of dish, which is not too deep). Quickly soak the buiscuits in the coffe (mixed with marsala) and layer them on, adding some more cream on top. Depending on how big the serving dish is, you may be able to make 2 layers of buiscuits (try to make a thick layer between one layer of buiscuits and the other); in any case, remember to finish always with a layer of cream on top which you will sprinkle with cocoa powder. You can make tiramisu a few days before your dinner party and freeze it. In this case it is advisable to top it with cocoa powder only once it's defrosted (the powder will otherwise get a "damp" aspect which is not very nice).

This recipe serves 10 people.

If you have any questions regarding choice of ingredients or details of the above recipe or other cooking ideas, do not hesitate to get in touch with me! ALso, let me know if you liked it...

Buon appetito e a presto