Steve's Tiramisu

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup espresso
• 2 tablespoons marsala wine
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/8 cup cocoa
• 24 ladyfingers
• 8 ounces whipping cream

Directions

1. 1

   Most of this recipe comes from the one on the side of the Belgioso mascarpone container ( the brand at stores around here), but with some changes. This recipe isn't an easy one - the most difficult part is properly saturating the ladyfingers without making them soggy - don't be upset if your first try doesn't come out so well.

2. 2

   In large bowl, combine 3 egg yolks, 1 tbs espresso, sugar, vanilla, and marsala wine. Beat ~3 minutes, and finally add mascarpone and beat 3-5 minutes more. Mixture should be slightly firm, and very tasty :). Add more sugar to suit your taste, I prefer 1/3 cup, some people like 1/2 cup.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, add whipping cream & a pinch of sugar, whip until stiff peaks form.

4. 4

   Fold whipping cream into mascarpone mixture - should end up being fluffy but stiff.

5. 5

   Now, you need to layer the ladyfingers & mascarpone in a pan - I use a 8x8 glass pan, works perfect.

6. 6

   Here's the difficult part - your first layer should be ladyfingers soaked in espresso. I say soaked, but make sure they are not soggy. To soak the ladyfingers, I work with 1/2 a ladyfinger at a time, dipping each side for a split second, just enough to barely cover the top or bottom. If you soak it too much, just sqeeze the excess out like a sponge. If you don't get enough, use your fingers to drip some coffee on the ladyfinger, and sort of massage it inches Lay down 12 ladyfinger halves in the pan, and spread a layer of mascarpone mixure on top. Sprinkle cocoa on top of each layer.

7. 7

   Repeat for the next 3 layers.

8. 8

   Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

9. 9

   Enjoy!