More than once in my life, I have found myself in the situation where it took so long to prepare a special meal for guests that I don’t have enough time left to create a masterpiece for dessert. While this certainly addresses my lack of planning, you sometimes have to cut yourself some slack and take a shortcut. This super quick deconstructed tiramisu presents really well and is light without being too sweet. Play it down to a simple finish after a heavy meal, rather than your shortcomings 😉
First, a quick note on tiramisu:
I know that any Italian or lover of Italian food will look at this recipe with scepticism. I love (real) tiramisu, in spite of my deep disapproval of biscuits and liquids in close contact with each other for more than a few seconds at a time. But when you break down the flavours, this most delicious of desserts comes down to a few basic ingredients put together with a lot of care and love. This dessert was inspired by those beautiful flavours.
How to Make A Quick And Pretty Deconstructed Tiramisu
You will need (serves 4)
- 125ml mascarpone
- 125ml single cream
- 30ml castor sugar
- 5ml powdered vanilla pods*
- 8 ladyfinger biscuits
- 2 cups of espresso or super strong coffee with sugar to taste
- 60ml coffee liqueur
- strawberries and good quality powdered chocolate** to serve
* You can use vanilla essence as well, but I find that powdered pods pack a lot more flavour and I love the speckled look it lends to the cream as well.
** I prefer a bitter cocoa powder that provides a beautiful contrast with all the flavours. If you want it a bit sweeter, however, use hot chocolate powder.
Method:
Place the cream, mascarpone, sugar and vanilla pod in a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form.
Equally divide the mixture between four ramekins and place in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
Once your guests are ready for dessert, brew the coffee and pour into four espresso cups. Add the liqueur and sugar to taste. (You can also make this before the meal and place in the fridge to cool.)
Dust the ramekins with powdered chocolate and serve with ladyfingers, strawberries and the espresso.
May you always have enough time to present delectable desserts. And when you don’t may you serve deconstructed tiramisu!
