Quick Tiramisu made with a 'Surprise Ingredient', step by step

Hi All!

I’m too excited as I type this post on my laptop and I’m telling myself again and again, Yes, I did it. I know, I’m just another lover of Tiramisu and Tiramisu being such a popular dessert, so many versions are available on the net for one to try. But I had to make my version with my inputs and tweaks… and I’m glad that the tweak worked and I can challenge you to try it and fall in love with this dessert again, if you already love it. And for those who have not tried Tiramisu, you have definitely missed something very tasty in your life!

I had tasted this sinful, luscious, melt in mouth dessert for the first time at Taj Aguada, Goa, ages back and had completely fallen for it. After that the word Tiramisu would make my mouth water and dearest S would always order it just to observe the expressions on my face, while I savoured it. I wanted to try this dessert at home but never knew how to make it. I surfed the net and was introduced to the name Mascarpone Cheese and I spotted it later in a gourmet store but the price tag could not motivate me to buy. Finally, after so many years this cheese is available in Indian market manufactured by an Indian company at an affordable price.So, about a week back I decided in the morning, no matter what comes in my way, I’ll make this dessert that day. I had already bought the lady fingers in my previous city and I had the sugar, coffee and the rest of it ready…

The original recipe demands a coffee liqueur, usually Kahlua or sherry is added to the preparation for the special effect. But I had something else in mind. A few years back when we had visited S’s friend M (who is now the MD of Godrej, Nature’s Basket, a gourmet store, where I loved shopping during my Mumbai days in Lokhandwala, Andheri, which was there first store) he offered me wine to drink and I refused politely saying that I am not into drinks. He gave me many other options and the non drinker that I’m, I kept refusing. Finally he asked me what do I like to drink and I replied a cold coffee or a virgin Pina Colada. On hearing my choice of drinks, he said, I’ve a perfect drink for you which I’m sure you will like, it’s a fruit liqueur  made in Africa using the fruit of Marula, which is creamy and  has a taste similar to coffee. Reluctantly I agreed to have a v.small  glass of that liqueur with loads of ice.

I was so surprised at myself when I sipped it, that I had actually quite liked the taste. Later on, I forgot about the drink but S did not! On our trip to Nepal, S picked this bottle and gifted me. I never had the liqueur again but the flavour did motivate me to use it rightly in some recipe and I finally used it in my Tiramisu and guess what, it gave an excellent taste and my idea of using  it turned out a HIT. The liqueur is called Amarula. Though adding liqueur is completely optional but believe me it makes a huge difference to the flavour and taste. Do try it and then praise me for my innovation, .

Excuse me for not able to cut perfect squares of the dessert as I had set it in a larger square dish and the dessert being so soft and the temperature rising now could not hold it’s shape perfectly during the clicks.

TIRAMISU  MADE WITH AMARULA LIQUER Preparation Time:20mins Serves: 10People Ingredients 200ml Medium-full fat cream 200gms Mascarpone Cheese 1/2cup castor sugar 3/4cup water 5-6tsp coffee powder (use premium quality) 12 lady fingers (biscuits) or Baked sponge cake pieces 3tsp coffee essence/ vanilla essence 3tbsp Amarula Liqueur (optional) chocolate and coffee powder mix for garnishing Method Boil water and add the coffee powder and mix. Cool and add the essence and the liqueur. Mix the mascarpone and sugar for a minute and add about 1/4 cup coffee mix to it. Beat the cream on an ice bath till firm peaks are formed and then fold it into the mascarpone gently. Keep two 5x5 inch square dishes or a 10x10 dish ready. Soak the lady fingers one by one in the remaining coffee mix and line at the base of the dish, spread a layer of the Mascarpone and then layer again with the soaked lady fingers and finish with Mascarpone layer. Chill  for 5-6 hours to set. Sprinkle chocolate and coffee powder on top and serve.

With Holi just a few days away, this dessert is a perfect way to treat your friends.
Sending this to Anjali's Cakes,Cookies and Desserts.

Sending this to Rasi's I'm Star Event