Tiramisu – Make It Yourself

One of the most popular desserts that can claim itself as a great favorite among all is the Italian Tiramisu. Every restaurant that serves Italian food is sure to have it on its menu. Tiramisu was born only in the 1970’s in Veneto, Italy. It gained popularity through out the world much later only in the early nineties. This dessert comprises of ingredients that do not appear to blend well with each other but when used in the right proportions comes out as a lip smacking dessert. All the ingredients are so different from each other that it is truly surprising that such a wonderful desert can be obtained when these ingredients are mixed in the proper proportions. Each of these ingredients are a dessert by themselves.

The important ingredient used in this dessert is the Mascarpone cheese. This cheese has been used in Italian cooking right from the 13th century in the Lombardy province of Italy. This cheese which is smooth and creamy comprises of thick milk cream which is very high in fat, nearly 75%. It is considered a traditional winter dish and so is classified as seasonal. This is why you will find the Tiramisu being listed under traditional seasonal recipes of Italy. It was mainly prepared during winter because it was exceptionally high in calories and of course it needed to be refrigerated as this type of cheese looses its flavor and does not taste too good during the hot months. The best mascarpone cheese comes only from Italy but there are also local makes of this cheese to choose from in America. You will find many American makes in your local supermarket or grocery store close to your home. If you love Tiramisu and want to make it at home, it is possible.
Another ingredient of Tiramisu is Zabaglione cream which is truly Italian. This classic food originated from the kitchens of Venice. The original recipe for this dessert included honey, yolks and a sweet Cyprus wine. Nowadays, it is being made using sugar instead of honey while the cream has an added flavor to it. The sweet Cyprus wine has also been replaced with Marsala wine. This can be easily made at home.

What makes the Tiramisu so unique is the espresso which adds a distinctive flavor. Espresso means “pick me up” and is actually coffee with a dash of caffeine. This is an important Italian food which accompanies all Italian meals. It is also much stronger than American coffee.

Ladyfingers are the last of the four ingredients that are added to make Tiramisu. They are cookies having their origins in Italy and are highly popular not only in Italy but all over the world. They are very light as the dough is made from whipped egg whites.

Tiramisu is got when all these four ingredients are mixed together in the right way and served with topped chocolate. It is most important that when you make this at home that you choose the right ingredients with care as the quality of the Tiramisu depends on it. Having learnt about the ingredients and the proportions in which they have to be mixed it is time that you get cracking to make this wonderful dessert for your friends.