Sunday, November 11, 2007

Love at first bite, Proposal at the second, Exchange of vows at the third....Tiramisu!

He had heard a lot about her…..her delightful characteristics……..her popularity…simple elegance…….the magic spell she casts on people…. still somehow he was reluctant to make a move or ask her out on a date….after a series of internal tug of war, he decided to bite the bullet and there he was! It was love at the first bite….followed by proposal at the second….everything was moving so fast...they exchanged vows and he brought her to his place and everyone seemed to be enjoying her company or not getting enough of her...he found the whole situation magical...he saw his life changing drastically….he became a better person…he started coming home early….attended gym regularly and waited for those beautiful moments with her! she was a whole new discovery for him……a discovery for life!

Yes, I am talking about CJJ but NOOOO, he is not cheating on me :D I was just painting his relationship with Tiramisu :D




A popular Italian dessert, “tiramisu is a pudding-like dessert that usually consists of sponge cake or ladyfingers dipped in a liqueur, then layered with grated chocolate and rich custard”. We have never been to Italy and hence have no idea how a traditional and authentic Tiramisu tastes like. Our one and only acquaintance with this dessert starts and ends with the popular Italian restaurant chain, Olive Garden, and the day we tasted this dessert from there, we fell in love with this classic!. It is definitely a “heaven in your mouth”. We had heard a lot about this dessert but somehow the descriptions did not sound much interesting to us mainly because someone said, it is a dessert dipped in coffee and coffee liquor et al. Not being coffee lovers, we never thought of giving it a try, especially when we were stuffed with food till our throat but the day we tasted this heavenly dessert, we literally regretted all those years we wasted not tasting this creamy and melt in mouth dessert.

Recently both of us were getting some selective cravings for Tiramisu and on one of our visits to Olive Garden, we seriously pondered over the idea of reproducing this at home. Since we have never been lucky to get its authentic taste and with no point of reference for a traditional taste and look,I was more interested in reproducing a recipe that tastes something like the restaurant one and that’s how I stumbled upon this page. Though I was taken aback a bit seeing the amount of cheese used, I gave it a shot and we were hooked! Both of us don’t have much of a sweet tooth, especially CJJ and if he gets addicted to a dessert and a recipe, then that’s a real compliment and also a green signal for me, that I can serve this recipe to our guests next time for dinner and also blog this! He was so hooked to this dessert that he was quite regular in gym the whole of last week, so he could find pleasure in each bite, without feeling guilty, thinking of all that saturated fat and cholesterol :)




Notes based on my experience: This recipe is a winner for sure. We were 98% satisfied! I used sponge lady fingers, instead of lady finger cookies or Savoiardi biscuits as the sponge ones were used at the restaurant. I used halved slices of the sponge cake fingers as it came in the box and don't remember how many I used,lets just say, as many to get two layers. For the 3 cups of mascarpone cheese, I used three 8 oz tubs of the same cheese and as written in the recipe, used one 8 oz cream cheese and blended it together. The recipe just calls for cocoa powder, since we both don’t prefer the bitterness of the regular cocoa powder, I used dutch-process cocoa powder but that was purely a personal choice. The only deviation I did was using more liquor and coffee as instead of just dabbing the sponge lady fingers, I applied a bit more which is not at all necessary and am sure next time I will not make that mistake. So, it is better to follow the recipe as such. Again recipe has not specifically mentioned what “several hours” are, so I chilled mine for 12-16 hours. Another thing I noticed is that, instead of making it in an 8 * 8 inch pan, next time I would be using individual dessert or trifle bowls or even a martini glass, to make the serving easier and not wasting my time trying to get the perfect slice!

Those who are completely new to the ingredients can find the mascarpone cheese at the specialty cheese /deli section of your local store and if you don’t have espresso at home, you may use extra strong coffee like I did. Kahlua coffee liqueur is sometimes available at supermarkets but if you are looking for small bottles, better to go to a liquor store. It is quite funny that at our place, my pantry has more variety and stock of liquor bottles than CJJ’s personal collection :D


Do I recommend this recipe for your Thanks Giving dinner or X’mas lunch? YES! YES ! YES!

UPDATE : Some of you have problem accessing the recipe link marked in my text; I don't know why that happens! I am able to access the link though sometimes it is broken. So adding the link again below: the first one takes directly to the recipe and the second one takes you to the main recipe section where you can give a search for the recipe:

No part of the content ( articles, photographs, recipes) of this blog may be reproduced without my written permission.Copyright © 2007-2010 Kitchenmishmash.blogspot.com. All rights reserved.

70 comments:

  1. I LOVE tiramisu though I must say, it's not been quite as interesting a love story a yours! :)
    Lovely pictures, as always, Shn!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thats D.. elicious!! I love this dessert. Its very yummy & something different from our routine stuff.. Shn.. nice picture as usual :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shn, so beautiful! I love tiramisu, but avoid making it at home since I DON'T want to over-eat! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Is it Tiramisu...or is it you Shn :D Don't fool us ok ? We know why CJJ goes to the gym and comes home early...for lovely SHn who can make lovely Tiramisus, Biryani and Estew and Mutton Roll and what not.

    Even though I am not a guy (and I have no inclinations in ulta directions), had I been around these were enough incentives for me to leave life and plonk myself at your doorstep

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love Tiramisu, this was the first dessert I've ever made! Mine didn't look anywhere as good as yours though :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. kno w what? We've never tried Tiramisu yet... for the same reason as yours!!! But I feel like trying it after reading your post. Lovely pics as usual :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a nice write up. Thought i was reading a romantic novel to start with and definitely you have made me fall in love with "Tiramisu". Now i have to taste this dessert,come what may ! :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this post! :)

    And the tiramisu looks delicious, better than any I've ever made!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a classic post!!..

    Tasted these yummy dessert recently in the resort in Coorg..

    Disappointed as we cant get hold of the raw materials here!!:(

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sighhhh!
    Tiramisu is my favorite dessert but never got down to making it considering my laziness..why don't you send me a slab ...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks heavenly,Shn....pictures beautiful as always....Even,I too was hesitant to try Tiramisu,but later liked it.
    Hmm...curious to know whether u were portraying CJJ's feelings when he met u....eh!:P
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  12. yum! i haven't even had breakfast and i am craving desert!! looks lovely

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tiramasu is one of my signature dishes. I make it using recipe from Sara Moulton of Food TV . My recipe calls for Marsala or port wine instead Kalhua. It is heavenly. I still have some Marsala wine left in fridge from my last attempt in January to make this dessert. I use dark choclate shavings too. I dont need a morning dose of craving Shn . Send me a slice . I will mail u my address.Love it

    ReplyDelete
  14. HeHe! Great title, NEVER thought you are talking about your hubby!!!!!!;D
    Love Tiramisu, never made it at home bcos you need to buy so many things. Looks delicious, may be I will give it try!:))

    ReplyDelete
  15. Shn, that is lovely enough for a sanyasi to swoon over, I can only imagine the plight of mere mortals like us. lucky CJJ.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Absolutely stunning...I don't blame CJJ...who can resist a beauty like that :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. hi shn
    your tiramisu looks amazing. i love tiramisu too. only as most people said too many special ingredients - not all available here in india easily. i have some recipes (substituting mascarpone cheese with cream cheese, and omitting the egg yolk completely etc). maybe i will try it.
    div
    ps - tomorrow i plan to try your fish curry central kerala style. will let you know the result.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Delicious...looks great...I think I gained a few pounds by reading this post. And the narration was excellent. Can't blame CJJ though :-)

    Now I have to go and have my Quaker oats :-(

    ReplyDelete
  19. I adore Tiramisu too... have a huge weakness. Yours makes me want to make mine again!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I open my blog reader and i have Tiramisu waiting for me, how cool is that :). Looks lovely, and i kinda' agree with Sandeepa's comment ;). The pics are so inviting. i cud have a slice of that for b'fast!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. oh!!! i know the truth... u r being too modest here:) if its not for u and the lovely dishes u cook why would CJJ come home early?;)
    i am not a big fan of tiramisu....well, actually i cant stand it. yeah, i am unique in some ways;) but ur presentation is booooooooooootiful :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Divine Dessert!!! I LOVE Tiramisu!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Now that u have discovered mascarpone cheese, u will find every excuse to use it again n again. Just like me :P
    Your tiramisu looks fantastic , perfect layers and the cheese too is well set. You hubby is wise to visit the gym.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love too tiramisu.
    Your oicture look so tempting that i want to take a spoon from my kitchen and dig into my screen :-)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I just bought some lady fingers last week for our tiramisu for Thanksgiving.
    That is such a fun word to say t.i.r.a.m.i.s.u!

    ReplyDelete
  26. simply classic..i have had this once in a while out here..and it is one of my favourite continental desert..and really i must say just by the look of the snap it is a winner..even italians would be jealous of you..;-P

    and never wonder why CJJ is having it without any second thoughts abt diet!!;-P

    If i had anywhere these kind of cooking skills I would have started a Ritz in India!!am serious u should try out a venture of your own..

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am in love with 'Tiramisu'..:))

    ReplyDelete
  28. shn, try tia maria. it's smoother and tastier than kahlua. looks gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Tiramisu... love this dear. You're so good at these treats.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh, this is a pick-me-up, all right! Really sweet post, Shn, and a fine first-time effort. How many cuts did you have to make b/4 you got a photogenic one? It's perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is a seriously romantic post :) Love the teaser lead-in :)

    Tiramisu looks gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I must try this one. My experiments with tiramiu has never been satisfactory. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Shn!! I only dessert I cannot stop with one serving is this!! Yours is divine!!!!
    amazing pictures!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Shn, i am drooling! ten days back on my birthday we went to a restaurant called 'Barbeque Nation'. It was a buffet dinner. Had enough and more of all kinds of barbeque and guess what I had for desserts? lots and lots of Tiramisu!!! :))

    ReplyDelete
  35. Vani, :) Thank you ! How ve you been..? Busy these days..?

    Seema, thats true....good one if u have some friends to share with :) Thanks!

    Anh, you said it! I will make sure that next time I have some friends coming over when I try this dessert. Even after sharing a good portion with a friend, there was still lots left!

    Sandeepa,hahahhaha....you did make us laugh sunday night :)) I would be so happy if you can appear at my doorstep...and when you come , make sure that its a long stay :) Hugs :)

    Sig, first dessert u ever made! oh myy,Sig I salute you.....guess what the first time I heard lady fingers, a couple of years back, i really thought its our okra :D Try this recipe...I would say a fool- proof one...and make it in individual dessert bowls, it will look good too :)

    Ramya,aahhh...so some are in our group :) Its worth giving a try atleast once....but there are some who are not crazy about Tiramisu too :)

    Nags, Thanks :)

    Pravs, hehhe....i know it was too much of a chick flick or "painkili" style....but glad u enjoyed :) I dont know If I already built up a heightened image for you, so keep your expectations low when u try this and I suggest trying it from OG itself :)

    kaykat,oh...dont say that...next time., give this one a try....it will come out exactly like mine if you follow that recipe word by word :)

    Bharathy,oh ...cool! I never knew that its all available there too....Btw, I know mascarpone cheese will be difficult to get there but you can use substitutes , like mix of sour cream , cream cheese and one more ingredient...dont remember exactly...but if you want those substitute list, drop a comment here, I will check my personal file and revert. Also for Kahlua, you can use brandied coffee , I guess.

    Rachel, Though Tiramisu is a classic, I would say it is one of the easiest desserts to make, and less time consuming too. Check out the recipe link, all you need is less than half an hour!

    Liz, hahahha.....ours was definitely not a love at first sight one :)

    Rajitha, :)) thats ok dear, you can have it for breakfast...good things should not be kept as the last one :)

    Mocha, mine does not have dark choco shavings, it calls for cocoa powder instead. I will check out Sara's version, thanks dear :)

    Asha,yes , you re right and thats the reason I never thought of attempting it at home...but this is an easy yet classic dessert you can think of preparing for your friends at dinner parties....hehe so did I confuse you....? dont worry, he is a nice chap :)

    Indosungod,hahahha.....that was a cool one :))) Thanks :)

    Sunita, yes...its irresistible to many......:)

    Div,yeah I have seen many quick fixes like that...but never attempted that as I wanted this restuarant style one , but now since I have satisfied my curiosity, I will go for those quick fixes and less fat ones :) How was the fish curry...?

    Alexis, your words are real encouragement to me :) hey, quaker oats is not all that bad, thats my morning breakfast cereal all 7 days of the week :D

    Laavanya, tie up the apron and whip it up :)

    Musical, I would have been more happy if I could send you some by post but mostly the mail man will get lucky on the way :P Thanks so much dear...:)

    Sia, hahha....probably you should all check with him for the truth :) thanks dear and I understand your dislike....its just like me not eating chocolates!! strange isn't it ?:)

    Manasi, thanks dear :) nice to see you here :)

    Kate/Kajal, yes , now I can think of the different variations and cheese combos...its quite a versatile one....I checked out your version....sounds quite interesting :)

    Happy Cook, hahhaha....carry on :)

    Sandi, isn't it more fun eating each slice ? :) Happy Holidays :)

    Mathew, hope no Italian friends of ours read this! you re one lucky guy to explore Europe and its food..! Btw, veruthe enthina Ritz-nu oru competition...we will start at a small scale one...and you can be a partner too as I no longer consider you to be an amateur cook :) Sorry to inform you that the most luring position has been taken by CJJ, the cashier's post :D

    Siri, thanks "lover" :)

    Bee, hey thanks a lot for that tip...I will try that ...i remember your tia maria cake...since this was the first time, i stuck to the recipe. thanks again :)

    Rina, thanks so much dear :)

    Susan, yes pick-me up it is:) I would say this is the second slice, I took off an equally big slice earlier. First slice is very difficult, so next time either individual bowls or a spring foam pan. Thanks a lot :)

    Cynthia,thank you , sweetie :) A romantic post for a romantic dessert :P

    Nanditha, yeah me too....I could have shared half of the fat with you :D Will make this for you when you visit :)

    Macademia the nut, oh I vouch for this recipe...go ahead and try :)

    Padmaja,thanks a lot....looks like you are really addicted...i can eat only one slice...its rich for my palate !

    Lissie, First of all, Belated B'day wishes :) What a grand way to celebrate your b'day with bbq and tiramisu for dessert! Hope you were really excited and had lot of fun :)

    Shn

    ReplyDelete
  36. Shn, that piece surely is a glam one! First time on your blog frm Pravs SS link..great blog and lovely glass painting!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Aaaamazing. Perfectly sliced too. BTW, where is my cake? Pravs is so lucky :(.

    ReplyDelete
  38. my my my....have can u save me Shn??...have got any other suggestion for replacement of cheese, for this purely-cheese repelent species like me!!!, but it wudnt be tiramisu then, isnt it?...lovely snap,
    hey...onida, u come up with such classy things, y dont u capture the making too??..honeslty, it will be truly a blessing for freshers like me...

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh, how I miss my mom's tiramisu. And now, yours is making my mouth water--really lovely pics, Shn.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lady you rock as usual ....the most awesome dessert ....excellent pics ......

    ReplyDelete
  41. That looks absolutely gorgeous! You are right, with tiramisu even non-sweet-toothed folks can enjoy dessert :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. woooooooooowww it looksss deleciousssssss

    ReplyDelete
  43. You post reminded me of the tiramisu cookies my aunt used to make. I've posted the recipe now. Check it out (on carnivore) :)

    PS: Thanx for visitin

    ReplyDelete
  44. wow, tiramisu... this is what I was looking for :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your pics are so tempting Shn...I have also made tiramisu but the recipe is an eggless version. Its an absolute favorite of ours too.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Purnima, thank you so much...and thank a lot for dropping by :)

    Suganya, thanks:) well, cake....I would love to ...but I dont even know where you stay !!

    Sona, Without cheese, I dont know...I havent explored much, you see this was my first attempt but i have seen some recipes where you can substitute certain stuff for mascarpone and that way reduce the amount of cheese...check out the site below, might be of use to you...and the pctorial...well, thats some serious commitments dear to my otherwise easy going hobbyy :) http://www.heavenlytiramisu.com/mascarpo.htm

    Susan, I would love to see your mom's version, it must be really an authentic one...so pls do blog when you get some time :)

    Deepa, thanks thanks ...:))

    Nupur, thats right,,,,nice to have you over :)

    Sagari, thank you :)

    Macademia the nut,sorry did not get time, will drop by soon :)

    Mandira, i know, now i am waiting for your adventurous yet successful twists to this classic :)

    Priyanka,do blog that....if i can reduce that much of fat, it would be a good idea too :)

    Shn

    ReplyDelete
  47. the tiramisu sounds wonderful, as do the previous recipes for stews. as the weather is getting even colder, those stew recipes sound like they would warm me up to the bones! (that's a good thing!)

    ReplyDelete
  48. You can use unflavored dental floss to help slice the cake perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Cinderelly,yes am sure, you would love the taste of the stews as it is just right for your palate :) Wayy different from our regular curried meat preparations :)

    Anonymous, really appreciate this tip. Will try it next time, but i guess I will rather use a springfoam pan if I am using this technique . Thanks a bunch :)

    Shn

    ReplyDelete
  50. where is the recipe mishmash,i didn't find any link for this recipe. i have read your explination of ingredient but i coudn't find the recipe of tiramisu

    raga

    ReplyDelete
  51. Raga, the recipe is linked in the second para after the first two photos. Please read the post carefully.

    Shn

    ReplyDelete
  52. AWE!!! That was such a lovely post! Now wait a minute..... are you sure it was Tiramisu and not you?? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Shn,
    I discovered ur blog a few days back & I must its amazing. I really liked ur presentation.. with the detailed text & awesome pics.

    I am one lazy cook & I keep preparing the same easy dishes all the time. The only time I do detailed cooking is wen I 've guests coming over and then I wud be frantically googling for recipes :)The other day, I was searching for a fruit cake recipe & I stumbled upon ur blog. Thnx to ur blog..now I am planning to make both the fruit cake(I soaked the fruits for fruit cake two days back)& Tiramisu for Xmas.

    Now I 've a few quesns regarding ingredients for Tiramisu. Will I get Sponge lady fingers in any grocery store? Also, I was searching for mascarpone cheese in deli section & didnt find the same. Do u ve any recommendation regarding stores where I can find all these ingredients? Expecting a response from u soon.
    Thnx in advance.

    ~Surya

    ReplyDelete
  54. Coffee,hahahha.....you re back with that cool sense of humour :D

    Surya, Thanks a lot for your appreciation and trust me, I am one lazy cook too :) Well, you should be able to find them in the main superstores as well as specialty shops like Trader Joe's et al, if you 're in US....The best way is to check with the store assistants at the bakery or deli section of the supermarket's, they will direct you to the right aisle and sometimes they will even refer a place where you can find these ingredients. Since I dont know where exactly you stay, I am unable to suggest any particular shops. All the best! Let me know how these turn out for you :) Merry X'mas :)

    Shn

    ReplyDelete
  55. The tiramisu looks really yummy..I think It will be just go in one shot if kept in front of me :)..

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thnx for ur suggestion...after searching in multiple stores, I finally got mascarpone from Trader Joe's :) btw..I stay in Phoenix. Question time again...What I have at home is normal cocoa powder & as u told thts very bitter. I searched for dutch cocoa powder & no luck finding it yet :( Any suggestions on where I can find it?

    ReplyDelete
  57. Maya Shanbhag, Pls help yourself :) A warm welcome here :)

    Surya, I bought the DP Cocoa p/w only from the site I have linked in the post and me using the same, in this recipe, was purely a personal choice. Since its just 2 tsp for sprinkling, I would suggest using the regular one itself instead of going for such a big packet. Just use 1 tsp and sprinkle very lightly. How did the fruit cake turn out?

    Shn

    ReplyDelete
  58. Shn,
    The cake was heavenly...Everyone loved it!!!
    Tiramisu also came out really well..Infact I liked it better than the ones I ve had in restaurant :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. i want to try this, but all the ingredients are unusul to me, can we substittute coffe mixed with rum and cherry brandy or with wine, pls tell me

    ReplyDelete
  60. i just read comeent u replied to Bharathy, giving substitute for mascarpone cheese, but not gave full, pls give full substitute with measurement, also how to make brandied coffee. i will wait for this

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi Shn
    I fell in love with the desert too:)..Now I want to try it at home but am still hunting for Mascarpone cheese for the last one week. Can you please tell me the name of the store you got it from?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Dear Mishmash,
    ur Tiramisu looks lovely..i tried it last week..mine was kinda hard :(( {not so creamy}..bt when it comes to room temperature it tasted good..i donno where it went wrong..may be i didnt mix the chesses until creamy...any suggestions..?

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hi ,
    I luv your recipies ...... please can i have the recipie for tiramasu .. can 't find it in .....
    whenever i am free , i browse thorough your blogs for recipies .

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi I luved ur site, it got real life into it :)
    Anyway, I was trying to get the recipe for Tiramisu n cant find it... could you please repost it?
    thnx :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Dear Shnn,
    Was going thru ur Tiramisu recipe so that I can make it for c'mas. But sadly the link u have mentioned is no longer available. Can u send the link once more so that we can make.

    Thanks a lot
    Anu

    ReplyDelete
  66. hi shn,i m a regular visitor to u r eblog..actually,icheck u r eblog every other day...tried so my of u re recipes andonceposted a comment i think....i was thinking of making u re tiramisu for easter...wante dto ask u where i would get the lady finger ....do u get it in th ecookie aisle....how many servings for this recipe as well?
    kathy

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Shn,

    Great blog,i was looking for tiramisu recipe here,but i am not getting it..the link goes to 406 error..hope i am not missing anything

    SS

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.