mini tiramisu
one of the things I loved about Florence was her insistence that we make these ‘by hand’… she’s keen that we all get back to basics in the kitchen and I totally agree… I have really felt over the past few years that we’ve become distant from our food and rely on our machines much to often and this simple activity of whisking eggs by hand, whilst it may take a little longer, really makes you appreciate and understand the process and makes you connect with the final dish that can only be a good thing… one tip though… the whisking action should be a light flick, worked from the wrist rather than the arm, it may hurt more but it makes for a lighter whip!
this will make 20 mini pots, which may seem like a lot but perfect for a big family gathering… the recipe can be easily halved.
6 large free-range eggs – separated
250g brown sugar
1 200g pot of mascarpone
1 small glass of rum (this can be left out or reduced if serving for kids)
1 packet (6) sponge finger biscuits… or ladyfingers or boudoir cookies as I think they can be called
1 large cup of fresh espresso coffee
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
a selection of mini glass cups – any odds and sods will do, wine glasses are nice, or even small jam jars.
separate the egg yolks and egg whites into two very large bowls
add the sugar to the egg yolks and whisk hard until they become pale and a little fluffy… should take about 5 mins
whisk the egg whites till stiff peaks… this could be a job for sharing with a loved one and should take no longer than 5 mins at a good steady pace. they will be ready when you can hold them above your head without them falling out… try it, it’s fun.
next take a large metal spoonful of mascarpone and gently fold it into the egg yolk and sugar mix combining it with a gently figure of eight movement and once combined do the same with a large spoonful of egg white… continue until it’s all used up and you have a large bowl of fluffy fabulousness.. then add the rum and stir in gently
make up your coffee and dip your finger biscuits into it… they only need a very brief dip… then set aside
now you want to begin the layering process… so start with half a coffee-dipped biscuit which you can squish into the bottom of the glass, followed by a sprinkling of cocoa powder and a tablespoon of the fluffy egg mix, continue this way two more times, ending with a layer of fluffy egg mix.
place the glasses into the fridge to set for at least 2 hours, then sprinkle the top with cocoa powder just before serving
There's only one bit of this I don't like – the “mini” bit! “Maxi” for me please…
I have to agree with Mark about this. What is this notion of “mini” got to do with puddins?
“Maxi” man, “maxi” is the word you're looking for.
In peasant-speak I suppose that would be “Ave it large”?
I have read this before breakfast and now I just want tiramisu instead of porridge. They look so lovely in the little glasses. I could probably easily put more than 1 away 🙂
Oh these are so yummy and cute…love them
mmm they look delicious.
Lovely! And a classy way to serve. Happy Valentine's Day however it turns out.
Best,
Bonnie
The best thing about tiramisu is that in the heat of the summer you can whip up some of these mini versions and not heat up the kitchen. There are so many luscious fruit flavoured ones as well. Now I am thinking past all of the snow and cold days to summer.
One of my all-time favorite desserts! Love the idea of making little pots for a crowd! Like cakehunter, I too, could put more than one away with no problem!
I served these at the Chalet in France where I was just recently. People loved them
A favorite dessert of mine! I like the “mini” ~ I can indulge without the guilt! LOL!!! My Italian brother-in-law make great tiramisu too! Have a great day!
I love this idea. I tried to do it with a limoncello base last summer but it became too messy, and you couldn't see the layers. You've inspired me to try again—and I had to laugh at the Viking's question—sounds a lot like our house! Oh well, a good relationship doesn't need an over-rated commercialized holiday to validate it, now does it?
This is one of my favourite puds – and yours in little glasses look so tempting. Thanks for reminding me that I must make tiramisu soon!
so sweet have a good valetines
Now you have a lot of glasses of mini tiramisu there, so how many did you and the viking have each?? 😉 hope you have a lovely day and these look lovely. I am afraid my wrists are not strong enough and so I shall continue to use my stand mixer. x
I think it's good to get back to the basics… plus it's more fulfilling anyway 🙂 Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts, but alas, I have only made it once… way back when I was first experimenting in the kitchen… uhhhmmm.. it didn't turn out the greatest – I need to make an attempt at it again – I especially love these mini ones!!
They look so pretty in the little glasses, much chicer than in a big lasagne dish, as you say. V.Barefoot Contessa!
These look totally gorgeous and such a splendid little bite of indulgence.
Lovely stuff – I've never grown tired of tiramisu. I usually make mine in little glasses – it's too easy to eat far too much if the pudding's larger. I know what you mean about whisking and beating by hand, but when you get to my advanced age and look back on all that manual labour over the years, then you definitely reach for the electric solution. These days I always plug in, it's too late to go back to being acoustic for me.
I don't know how you remembered all that! I was obviously too busy gassing as I can't really remember the amounts and instructions at all. The Tiramisu was lovely though. I have never made a proper one…now you have written this I shall sort it out.
All these traditional good things fortunately are coming back into vogue. These look ideal and not really too mini – they leave room for seconds!
I love your mini tiramisu, they are calling out to me. I think we need more individual desserts in glasses.
These are so adorable. I really like the size of the individual desserts.
LOVELY Dom, I STILL have to blog my day at Finish and have lots of photos as well as the official ones too!
These look so delightful and so elegant. Brilliant idea to serve in little pots – good training for greedy guts like CT and I 😉