Authentic Tiramisu

On my first trip to Italy to meet my husband’s family back in 1995, I didn’t speak a word of Italian. But I did learn how to make great ‘dolci’ from his sister, Maria. This was her recipe and now when we go back they ask me to make it!

Step: 1

Beat 1/2 cup sugar, egg yolks, brandy, and 1 tablespoon espresso together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese to sugar-egg mixture and beat until well blended, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step: 2

Beat egg whites and a pinch sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into mascarpone mixture.

Step: 3

Pour remaining espresso into a shallow dish. Dip 1 side of each ladyfinger into the espresso and arrange on a serving platter in 2 horizontal rows of 6 with 2 1/2 ladyfingers in opposite direction on both ends to form a rectangular shape.

Step: 4

Spread 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture onto the ladyfinger layer and dust with 1/2 of the cocoa powder. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers dipped in espresso, mascarpone mixture, and cocoa powder. Refrigerate tiramisu until ladyfingers have softened from the espresso and mascarpone mixture, 2 to 3 hours.

Per Serving: 324 calories; protein 7.5g; carbohydrates 25.7g; fat 21.6g; cholesterol 154.5mg; sodium 84.1mg.