Tiramisu (Italian for "pick me up")
1 lb. mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar (I like to use raw sugar, but you can also use white - whichever you prefer)
3 tbsp rum (or brandy)
20 ladyfingers (approx.)
cocoa powder
double shot of espresso (about 2 oz.)
1/2 cup prepared coffee
dark chocolate shavings for topping (optional)
1. Mix coffee and espresso and chill.
2. Pour whipping cream into a bowl and chill for at least 20 minutes. Whisk whipping cream until it reaches stiff peaks. With a mixer this will take only a few minutes, by hand it will take longer.
3. Place mascarpone cheese, sugar and rum into a medium bowl and mix until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream.
4. Soak lady fingers in espresso for a couple seconds, flipping to coat each side. Place lady fingers side by side on the bottom of an 8"x8" pan.
5. Spread half of the cheese mixture on top of lady fingers in the pan. Sprinkle cocoa powder liberally on top. Apply second layer of lady fingers and remaining cheese mixture. Top with more cocoa powder and dark chocolate shavings.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and chill before serving.
