Heavenly Espresso Tiramisu Food

ESPRESSO MARTINI TIRAMISU

Steps:

• Stir 1 tablespoon of the espresso powder into the coffee liqueur in a liquid measuring cup until dissolved. Set aside.
• Combine the mascarpone and confectioners' sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed until just combined, about 15 seconds. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the liqueur-espresso mixture followed by the cream and continue to whip until all the liquid is incorporated. Increase the mixer to medium speed and continue to whip until the mascarpone-cream mixture reaches a medium-stiff peak, about 1 minute. Set aside.
• Stir together the vodka, granulated sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons espresso powder and 3/4 cup hot water in a small bowl until the sugar and espresso powder are dissolved.
• Fill the bottom third of each of four 7- to 7 1/2-ounce martini glasses with some of the mascarpone cream and smooth with the back of a spoon. Dip 1 ladyfinger half at a time into the espresso mixture for 2 seconds per side, until soaked but not soggy. Arrange 2 soaked ladyfinger halves over the cream in each glass. Spoon more mascarpone cream on top of the ladyfingers to fill the next third of the glass and smooth with the back of the spoon. Individually dip 3 more ladyfinger halves for 2 seconds per side and arrange on top of the mascarpone cream. Top each martini glass off with the remaining mascarpone cream. Use a small offset spatula to smooth and level off the tops of each glass. Loosely cover each glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
• Remove the martini glasses from the refrigerator. Place a small square of parchment over half of a glass. Sift a generous amount of the cocoa powder through a fine-mesh sieve over the exposed half. Remove the parchment. Repeat with the remaining 3 glasses. Serve with 3 chocolate-covered espresso beans in the center of each glass.

TIRAMISU

Steps:

• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.
• In a small shallow dish, add remaining espresso and rum. Dip each ladyfinger into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.
• Spread evenly 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.
• Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
• Before serving, sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

CLASSIC TIRAMISù

Steps:

• Using an electric mixer in a medium bowl, whip together egg yolks and 1/4 cup/50 grams sugar until very pale yellow and about tripled in volume. A slight ribbon should fall from the beaters (or whisk attachment) when lifted from the bowl. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, wiping out the medium bowl used to whip the yolks and set aside.
• In the medium bowl, whip cream and remaining 1/4 cup/50 grams sugar until it creates soft-medium peaks. Add mascarpone and continue to whip until it creates a soft, spreadable mixture with medium peaks. Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the sweetened egg yolks until combined.
• Combine espresso and rum in a shallow bowl and set aside.
• Using a sifter, dust the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish (an 8x8-inch dish, or a 9-inch round cake pan would also work here) with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.
• Working one at a time, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture -- they are quite porous and will fall apart if left in the liquid too long -- and place them rounded side up at the bottom of the baking dish. Repeat, using half the ladyfingers, until you've got an even layer, breaking the ladyfingers in half as needed to fill in any obvious gaps (a little space in between is O.K.). Spread half the mascarpone mixture onto the ladyfingers in one even layer. Repeat with remaining espresso-dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
• Dust top layer with remaining tablespoon of cocoa powder. Top with shaved or finely grated chocolate, if desired.
• Cover with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (if you can wait 24 hours, all the better) before slicing or scooping to serve.