Tiramisu

This one is specially for Marie. Tiramisu is a fantastic and very easy dessert that always impresses. You can have a bit of fun with it by adding layers of your favorite fruit as well. This one is the basic tiramisu recipe that is fabulous as is. Serves 6-8 people

What you need

1 cup strong black coffee (1 tablespoon nescafe)
Frangelico liqueur (optional)
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
250g mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup fresh cream
2 x 125g boxes boudiour biscuits
Cocoa powder or finely grated dark 70% choclate for topping

The process

Make the coffee and allow it to cool. (you only need to use warm water to dissolve the coffee)

Whip the cream and the caster sugar together until fairly stiff, then add the vanilla and mascarpone cheese and fold with a metal spoon until the mascarpone is evenly distributed. You dont want to beat it, just give it a gently fold. At this stage you would also add about 75ml or 2 to 3 tots of Frangelico if you are using alcohol.

Transfer the coffee to a shallow bowl. Use a 20cm x 20cm or similar baking dish and line the bottom with boudior biscuits dipped into the coffee.

Sprtead half of the mascarpone mixture over the biscuits and then repeat to create another layer. Smooth the top nicely and then pop into the fridge for about an hour to chill.

Before serving, finely grate a layer of choclate over the top or sprinkle with cocoa powder.

You can also grate a layer of choclate on top of the first layer of mixture for something a little decadent.

Simple and delicious.