The heavenly dessert Tiramisu

Say Tango Italiano with Tiramisu. Tiramisu in Italian means ‘pick-me-up’… giving a ‘lift’ from low spirits.

The author of Cupcakes Galore, Gail Wagman, says, "Tiramisu is an Italian cake usually made with sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in a mixture of coffee and Marsala, filled with mascarpone cream and topped with grated chocolate." It is a cool, refreshing Italian dessert that once tasted, leaves an indelible impression on you. Add in just a slight bite on the tongue, and tantalizing hint of the liquor. Suddenly, you get a teeny explosion of chocolate on your tongue that disappears in a flash.

History of Tiramisu

Also known as "Tuscan Trifle," the dessert was initially created in Siena, in the northwestern Italian province of Tuscany. The occasion was a visit by Grand Duke Cosimo de'Medici III, in whose honor the concoction was dubbed zuppa del duca (the "duke's soup. The original recipe called for custard and only recently has Mascarpone cheese (triple-creme cheese) been substituted.

Three types of Tiramisu

· Basic Tiramisu
Tiramisu basically includes Mascarpone cheese, raw eggs, sugar, espresso coffee, ladyfingers, liquor and cocoa. Heavy cream is an optional ingredient. The richness and taste depend on the quantity of each ingredient and the care of preparation.

· Tiramisu varieties
Tiramisu of 21st century is experiencing innovative changeovers. Chefs all over the world are trying their best culinary skills to work out extraordinary Tiramisus. Be it experimenting with different kinds of wines or altering any ingredient to suit the taste better!

· Healthy Tiramisu
"Healthy Tiramisu" is the safe option for those ultimate, calorie-conscious dessert-lovers who would shun this heavenly dessert because of high fat content or the raw eggs.

Four expert tips

· Tiramisu is one of those dishes that benefits greatly from being allowed to rest so the flavors can really mingle together

· Save time by buying the basic sponge cakes. The coffee mix liquid moistens the cake right through

· Soak ladyfingers in warm, strong, sweetened coffee to avoid getting dry centers without oversoaking

· It can be prepared in advance and kept in the freezer. Remember to remove it from the freezer enough time in advance to serve it cold at refrigerated temperature, but not frozen.

Tiramisu is like Heaven in your mouth! So…just ‘pick-it-up’!

By Purabi Naha