Red White and Blue Tiramisu

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Nelson Mandela

There are many tiramisu recipes out there but my favorite is my Italian friend Lynne’s.  Her recipe originates from a friend of hers in Rome.  It is luscious with just the right balance of espresso flavoring in the cream filling without being too sweet.  It is a very simple recipe and can be made ahead.   I was surprised to learn that it freezes well.  Lynne generously shared one of her delicious desserts with us and I only take credit for adding the patriotic berries on top.  A tribute to the great melting pot of cultures that make up this great country!

Tiramisu (Anna Brambilla's authentic recipe from Rome)

• Servings: 6
• Time: 45 minutes
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

1-2 packages of Savoiardi or Pavestini ladyfingers, the hard kind, not the soft bakery ones

2 egg yolks

8 oz mascarpone cheese,  at room temperature

8 oz heavy cream

1/4 c sugar

1 1/2-2 cups of espresso coffee, cooled

2-3 T rum, brandy, cognac or coffee flavored liqueur, optional

unsweetened cocoa powder

chocolate to shave on top as a garnish, optional

blueberries and raspberries to garnish, optional

In a bowl beat the egg yolks and sugar with an electric mixer until sugar is dissolved and mixture is creamy. Add the mascarpone and mix well.  In another bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form then fold into the mascarpone mixture.  In  a pie plate, pour the coffee and liqueur  together.  Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee, letting  the excess drip off.  In an 8 X 8 inch glass dish, create a layer of  the ladyfingers, cutting some to size, to fill in.  Layer half of the cream mixture and dust with some cocoa powder.  Place a second layer of ladyfingers over this, going in the opposite direction.  Spread another layer of cream and dust with cocoa powder. Chill in the refrigerator, at least 8 hours or overnight.  The tiramisu can be made up to 2 days in advance allowing for the flavors to really blend together.

Can be frozen up to 3 months.  If freezing, take it out to thaw a few hours prior to serving.  In Italy, it is often eaten partially frozen.  The tiramisu could be made in a trifle dish, springform pan or in individual serving dishes  as well.

Just before serving shave some chocolate on top, if using.   Or if desired, arrange blueberries and raspberries on top in a flag pattern for a patriotic celebratory touch.  If so, make the tiramisu in a rectangular Pyrex dish.

Happy 4th of July, Italian style!