Tiramisù means "pull-me-up" in Italian. Many have called it a taste of heaven.

Ingredients

• 6 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 pound mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 2 Tbs Marsala wine (you may substitute rum)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups coffee
• 5 egg whites
• pan di spagna
• cocoa powder

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl set over but not touching a pan of simmering water, beat the egg yolks and sugar about 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale yellow.
2. Remove from the heat.
3. With an electric mixer, beat in the mascarpone cheese. Beat until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
4. Set aside the egg-sugar-cheese mixture aside and clean the beaters.
5. In a chilled large mixing bowl, beat the cream to stiff peaks.
6. Add the Marsala wine, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of coffee. Beat until smooth.
7. Set aside the cream and clean the beaters.
8. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks (when the whisk is lifted straight out of the bowl and inverted, the whites should hold their shape).
9. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg-sugar-cheese mixture into the cream until blended and smooth.
10. Add about 1 cup of the beaten egg whites and fold gently until blended.
11. Add the remaining egg whites and fold gently until the mixture is smooth and blended.
12. Cut the pan di spagna in half horizontally. Then cut into 2"x4" rectangles.
13. One at a time, submerge each rectangle into the remaining coffee.
14. Lay the rectangles on the bottom of a 6-quart glass or ceramic baking or serving dish (about 4" deep).
15. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the coffee soaked cake until evenly covered.
16. Repeat with another layer of soaked cake over the mascarpone cream.
17. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the top.
18. Dust the Tiramisù with cocoa powder to create a creamy, rich topping.
19. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 1 day before serving.

Note:A trifle dish makes a lovely presentation, but you won't be able to serve neat squares of Tiramisù.

Be bold and experiment with flavors! Replace the mascarpone mixture with Budino al Cioccolato.

Bella Italian Food Recommends

Annapolis Trifle Dish
Create a fantastic presentation with this trifle bowl. The flat bottom makes it a wonderful choice for Tiramisù.