Dictionary defines this as: noun
an opinion formed beforehand without adequate evidence.
That’s exactly what I did with tiramisu — i had a preconceived notion that it’s one of the most complex desserts to make.
Oh tiramisu. How could I ever doubt thee?
There’s definitely no doubt I’m born with a HUGE sweet tooth when it comes to French or Italian desserts. Everything is so tantalizing to taste, hardly tooth-achingly sweet, and just plain AMAZING.
Sigh. If only desserts were calorie free. I could stuff myself silly for every meal.
Coming back to the point with “preconceived notion“. This is going to make your mind boggle, in a very good way. Just one taste is enough to convince that you can be a great pastry chef.
Well, I’d love to assume is that simple. Or at least preconceive it that way.
Sometimes you just need a nudge and pull yourself together. Gather the necessary ingredients and go for it. If it turns out delicious, toot your horn all over the place. If its a disaster, there’s no pressure of revealing it to anyone. Just grab and spoon and dig in.
Makes 4 servings (in dessert glasses)
Ingredients:
- 2 egg whites
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- pinch of salt
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature
- 4 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1 cup freshly brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature
- 24 ladyfingers
- cocoa powder
- optional: semi-sweet chocolate shavings
Directions:
- In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk, whip egg whites and 2 tbsp of sugar on high for 1 minute or until soft peaks. Remove whipped egg whites into a clean bowl.
- In the same stand mixer bowl, add egg yolks, 2 tbsp of sugar and a pinch of salt. Whip egg yolks until pale and ribbony, about 1 minute.
- Remove bowl from stand mixer and stir in mascarpone cheese and 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur. Gently fold in egg whites until completely incorporate. Do not over-mix. Cover bowl with a cling wrap and refrigerate to chill.
- Meantime, brew 1 cup of espresso. Cool espresso to room temperature before adding 2 tbsp of amaretto liqueur.
- Add cooled espresso in a large shallow dish (eg. roasting pan). Begin layering tiramisu parfait by dipping ladyfingers one-by-one into espresso for a few seconds, or just enough to moisten. Do not dip longer that required. It’ll be difficult to build layers with moist crumbs 😉
- Build a layer with moisten ladyfingers, topped with chilled tiramisu cream and finish it off with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate shavings. Continue building a second layer, beginning with ladyfingers, chilled cream and dusting of cocoa powder.
- Once all layers are built, refrigerate parfaits for at least 6 to 12 hours before consumption. The longer it sits, the better it gets.
Enough of a “noun” lesson for one day. Today, I pledge to cook/bake anything I want to, with or without having a preconceived notion. I feel so much better, now that its all out there in the open.
One thing is for sure, there will now be more homemade tiramisu in our life 😉
Any preconceived notion you had earlier about a recipe? Got get ’em!
Comments on this entry are closed.
Lovely presentation and fabulous individual Tiramusù.
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — thank you, friend 🙂
I can relate, Kiran! I made very similar tiramisu a few months ago from David Lebovitz and we loved it. It was much easier than I thought and it’s one of my husband’s favorite desserts to order when we’re out. I think the same probably goes for souffle…looks incredibly hard but really not. Now I’m craving tiramisu and souffle.
Monica recently posted..Homemade bread at last
Monica — and now, I’m craving for soufflé 🙂
Beautiful tiramisu, so simple yet completely delicious, I’m totally craving for it now.
Ash — thank you and I hope you’d try this recipe soon 🙂
I hear you – i felt the same way with gnocchi and I cant believe how simple it was. Tiramisu happens to be one of my favorite!
dixya| food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Fitness Friday : On Staying Active {Guest Post}
Dixya — aaah, i need to try making gnocchi too 🙂
Oh My! That’s it Kiran – you have convinced me with this recipe – I am packing my bags and heading your way!!!
I am in love with Tiramisu!!! This parfait – oh gawwwsh! If I look at the photos any longer – am gonna start licking the screen!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com recently posted..Peach Jelly, Lime & Jalapeño Salmon!
Shashi — oh yes! come on over! Hope you had a great weekend too 🙂
Scrumptious….I luv luv tiramisu!
Ina gawne recently posted..APPLE SPICE BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
Ina — thanks love 🙂
Wow….what an elegant looking dessert and you present it beautifully Kiran! Can I come and eat at your house? 😉 Have a lovely weekend!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted..Savory Ham Cheese and Olive Cake
Anne — thanks! and you are always welcome here 🙂
fantastic tiramisu…love the first click..
Gayathri Ramanan recently posted..VINAYAGA CHATURTHI RECIPES | GANESH CHATURTHI RECIPES
Gayathri — thank you so much 🙂
My husband and I love tiramisu. Such a delicious dessert. Your photos of it are so gorgeous!
Sharmila recently posted..Bean and Grain Salad Bar
Sharmila — thank you so much! hope you’d get to enjoy more tiramisu with your husband 🙂
I’m glad you found out how easy is to make a delicious Tiramisu. I 100% approve your recipe 🙂
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ recently posted..My Insolent Italy
Daniela — awww, thank you so much for your approval. Makes me so so happy 😀
Cute tiramisu parfaits…and delicious too! I’ll go grab a spoon to dig in.
Denise — thanks and please do 😉
Beautiful Tiramisu, and I love those little serving glasses. They are perfect!
Maria | Pink Patisserie recently posted..Rustic Paris-Brest
Maria — thank you so much, friend 🙂
Tiramisu is my weakness! I love it and is my favourite dessert I think. I started making it a few years ago mainly because of the alcohol. Since I don’t drink. It’s become a staple on our Thanksgiving table and my 2nd daughters birthday request every year. I like your single serving parfaits! Beautiful but I would probably need about 3!
Nazneen
Nazneen — tiramisu for birthday sounds like a delicious idea 🙂
Gorgeous dessert! The presentation is stunning!
Asmita recently posted..Yellow Shrimp Curry- “Hing Sambaare”
Asmita — thank you so so much 🙂
I can see why Tiramisu can be intimidating – I was that person too. Until last year, when a friend helped me put together individual tiramisu cups for a party! I couldn’t believe how easy they were and ofcourse, they were a hit at the party!
Seeing your pics, I want one right now. Its one of my favorite desserts. I’m allowing myself all indulgences this week, so please, can I have one of these!
Archana @ FeedingThefoodie recently posted..Pearl Couscous Salad with Pistachio crusted Goat Cheese
Archana — thank you so much! wish I could teleport some tiramisu your way 🙂
yes yes for years we had this same idea about making Tiramisu,but after making it once got hooked to its simplicity….the parfaits look gorgeous and can’t wait to try them out…delicious 🙂
Kumar’s Kitchen recently posted..Colorful Carrot & Yogurt Dip:It Is All About What You C…:-)
Kumar — thank you and I hope you’d get to try making this soon 🙂
oh my oh my oh my. these are so beautiful and your pictures are yet again amamamamazing!
cquek recently posted..Kinoshita Circus
Cquek — awww, thank you so much 😀
Ah yes, if only desserts were calorie free! 😉 I adore your tiramisu parfaits, the presentation is so pretty!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..brown butter pear bars
Laura — thank you. oh, calorie free desserts 😉
I love tiramisu EVERYTHING! These little guys look amazing and adorable in their little individual vessels. Such bright and clean photos as usual.
Irina @ wandercrush recently posted..Heirloom Shakshuka
Irina — awww, thank you so much friend 🙂
I have a real weakness for tiramisu too! Oh and wouldn’t it be wonderful if it were calorie free? 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Homemade Chai Syrup
Lorraine — haha! similar wishful thinking 😉
I have always been intimidated by tiramisu…well to make it not eat it I do love to eat it, I just have never made it on my own . I will have to give your recipe a try it looks very easy
Angie | Big Bears Wife recently posted..Creamy Tomato Parmesan Mezzi Rigatoni
Angie — it’s really very simple. just the waiting might be the toughest step 😉
As always, your food styling is amazing, Kiran.
The tiramisu parfait looks so inviting!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Purple Cabbage Fig Salad with Warm Walnut Vinaigrette
Angie — thank you so much, sweetie 🙂
How freaking adorable! I’ve always enjoyed “building the layers” and this is on point!
The Squishy Monster recently posted..Favorite Korean Drinks
TSM — haha, thanks!
I don’t think I could love this anymore if I tried! Tiramisu is one of my all-time favorite desserts! Beautiful!
Meghan recently posted..Blueberry Bliss Cheesecake Bars
Meghan — thank you! it’s really tough to hate tiramisu 😉
I’ve never made tiramisu and I haven’t ever tried it either! But I just want to dig right in to these.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies recently posted..What Meg from Beard and Bonnet Ate This Week
Kiersten — you need to try it ASAP!!!
Honestly after looking at those I think I badly need one.
Raymund recently posted..Must Try Foods in Switzerland
Raymund — honestly, me too!
These look as beautiful as they would taste 😀
Cheers
CCU
CCU recently posted..CCU Undercover: Tem Ichi Restaurant (Teppanyaki)
CCU — thank you so much!!
Seems a little complicated for me! Looks good though 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Paleo Banana-Walnut Bread
Matt — no way. it’s so simple. the only lengthy step is the waiting time 😀
Oh my goodness. These look wonderful Kiran! I love how perfectly even and flat the top layer is. YUM! xxxx gemma
Gemma @andgeesaid recently posted..The Blue Lagoon: Bláa lónið
Gemma — thank you so so much 🙂
Excellent Photos!! Way to go girl! And I love your pledge.
Ansh | Spiceroots recently posted..Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette # Ina Fridays
Ansh — thank you so much, dear 😀
This sounds and looks divine 🙂
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted..Sourdough Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
Tandy — thanks friend 🙂
Looks amazing Kiran…love the idea of the parfait.
Your photography just keeps getting better. Gorgeous pictures!
Ameena recently posted..a train ride
Ameena — thank you so so much, my sweet friend 🙂
I have been thinking of making a coffee dessert for a long time. I’ve been refraining so that we don’t eat something that we cannot share with the toddler in the house. Your parfait is just tempting me even more. Hmm…should I just let the toddler indulge some caffeine with us through a dessert 🙂
Lail | With A Spin recently posted..Protein Rich Split Pea Fudge – Chana Dal Barfi
Lail — yes you should. i’d suggest using decaf instead of pure espresso 😉
Tiramisu looks delish 🙂 awesome pics too
Rekha — thank you so much! 🙂
There are calories in desserts?!!! That explains a lot. 😉 Tiramisu is such good stuff – one of my favorites appetizers. Er, desserts. 😉 This parfait is a terrific idea – something I should try. Thanks.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted..Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies
John — haha! and yes, you need to try this dessert 😉
Tiramisù is as dangerously easy as it’s delicious… I am always afraid to prepare it because I know I am unable to stop eating it and then I feel so guilty… Your tiramisù looks terrific and I am thrilled to see you also do the real thing (without cream, which has become so popular in this dessert when made outside of Italy, but which in my opinion spoils the whole elegance and sophistication). Gorgeous!
Sissi recently posted..Long-term Westernised Kyuuri no Kyuuchan (Cucumber Pickled with Soy Sauce and Ginger)
Sissi — there’s nothing authentic about tiramisu without mascarpone cheese, in my opinion. thank you, friend 🙂
What a beautiful and elegant dessert! Your photography is gorgeous as well.
Natasha @ The Cake Merchant recently posted..Double Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Natasha — thank you so much 🙂
I love your own take on the tempted tiramisu! I love your more lighter version a lot!
The desserts are also beautifully presented this way,…they lure me in! 🙂 MMMMMMMMM! x
Sophie recently posted..Vegan, Gluten-free fresh fig treats! No-bake!
Sophie — thank you so much my dear. this is not a very light recipe, but yes, I went easy on eggs 😉
My husband’s favorite dessert (well, one of favorites) is tiramisu but haven’t really had courage to make it at home… your parfait looks so cute and I’m tempted. 🙂
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..How To Make Bento
Nami — thank you! it’s so easy and you need to make it 🙂
Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts.. absolutely love it…This looks divine!
Shema | LifeScoops recently posted..Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole with Grilled Vegetables
Shema — thank you 🙂
Perfection, tiramisu is one of my all time favorite desserts!
Nik@ABrownTable recently posted..bourbon peach ice cream
Nik — thank you!
These are just too pretty!!! Can I have three? Yummy!
Angie recently posted..Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew and a $100 VISA Card Giveaway
Angie — thank you so much! and yes, you may 🙂
I have a preconceived notion that I cannot be a great pastry chef. So I’ll drool over your handiwork. GREG
sippitysup recently posted..Eggplant Sandwich for me and my Blog
Greg — ha! i’m sure you’d do well, thanks 🙂
These are just gorgeous. Almost too pretty to eat. ALMOST. Thank you for sharing yet another delicious and delightful post. I hope you had a wonderful Monday. Here’s to an even better week!
Monet recently posted..Banana Bread Cookies
Monet — thank you so much, my sweet friend 🙂 xo
I love tiramisu and your presentation is gorgeous!
I have been dying to try out this dessert but neither do I have lady fingers nor the mascarpone cheese at my disposal (read available here in India & the imported ones cost a bomb!!)…guess I will have to make these from the scratch first to make this dessert 😉
easyfoodsmith recently posted..HANDVO – Savory Rice & Lentil Cake (Gluten Free)
EFS — thank you! i understand your qualm about imported foods. it can be very expensive. sigh.
Damn you Kiran! You do not need to be that AWESOME & BEAUTIFUL all the time! Gimme a break, will ya!
I’d sneak into your head and steal all your photography tricks if you don’t gimme a crash course ASAP!
(I can die over your cute, straight-from-paradise Tiramisu Parfait)
nusrat2010 recently posted..Mango Chutney
Nusrat — haha! i’m not even trying 😉
If there is something that makes me weak in my knees it is Tiramusù. gorgeous clicks!
simi recently posted..Instant Peda
Simi — it does that to me too! thank you so much 🙂
This is a perfect dessert and yes I would love to pick up a spoon and dig in!!!
Patty recently posted..Gâteau d’Alice (gâteau au chocolat amer)
Patty — thank you my sweet friend 🙂
They are some of the most beautiful Tiramisu I have ever seen. Love that dusting of cocoa on the top… makes it look like such a beautiful surface to crack through to the soft, fragrant mascarpone and coffee sponge. I am the same – massive sweet tooth. It drives me mad, as I’d love to just eat sweet things all day every day! xx
laurasmess recently posted..Kangaroo Rendang with Roti Canai
Laura — thank you so much, sweetie!! I’m off to drool over some roti canai on your blog 🙂
Just came across your blog, great photos!!
I just posted a how to make a Tiramisu video on you tube that is eggless and with a couple of short cuts that you may find interesting. When traveling to Nashville come visit and say “Hi” and I’ll give you an apron if you want to cook or bake something, maybe make a video…
Chuck — thanks so much for visiting 🙂
Beautiful photos!
Marly — thank you so much, sweet friend 🙂
This dessert looks like a work of art! So refined!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com recently posted..Pad Thai noodles with shrimp
Julia — your comment made my day. thank you so much, friend 🙂
This is perfection! The man loves tiramisu – I need to make him a few of these 🙂
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence recently posted..Marinated Flank Steak Salad with Feta and Arugula
Brandon — thank you and yes, you need too. pronto 😀
Your tiramisu could not get more elegant !
Carolyn Chan recently posted..Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes
Wow. I follow you on instagram so I know when a new post is up, but I have not been following food blogs in months and missed seeing this in its entirety. The parfaits are gorgeous! Any idea what I can substitute for the amaretto liqueur?
Needful Things recently posted..Of Friends and Granola