Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu

Ingredients

• 3 eggs, separated
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 6 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 36 ladyfingers, 1 large package (approximately 36)
• 1 cup orange liqueur
• 1 cup espresso coffee
• 2 ounces bitter chocolate, grated (Bakers chocolate)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or 2 ounces grated bittersweet chocolate)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine egg yolks and sugar in a medium-sized bowl and beat well.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks.

3. 3

   In a third, larger bowl, combine the egg yolk mixture with the mascarpone, then fold in the egg whites to produce a creamy mixture.

4. 4

   Arrange a tight layer of ladyfingers in a 9-by-12-inch serving dish.

5. 5

   Using a spoon, drizzle about half the liqueur and half the espresso over the ladyfingers.

6. 6

   Cover the ladyfingers with the mascarpone mixture and the grated chocolate, and dust it with a little more than half the cocoa.

7. 7

   Cover the filling with a second layer of ladyfingers and drizzle with the remaining liqueur and espresso.

8. 8

   Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (the Tiramisu can be made 24 hours in advance).

9. 9

   Top with the remaining cocoa before serving.