Sunday, February 28, 2010

100th Post: Daring Bakers' Lemon Tiramisu

Before i go onto my Daring Bakers' challenge, I thought I'd let you know... that this is my 100th blog post!!! Wooohoo! For a blog sprung out of pure boredom and procrastination, I'm very VERY surprised that I made it this this far. Thank-you everyone for all the lovely comments, emails, and encouragements left along the way. I wish i had something cool like a recipe round-up or a 100th post giveaway to reciprocate but unfortunately with all the exams recently, a big huge THANK-YOU and an big tight e-HUG is all i can give for now. I promise I'll make it up on my 200th post ;)
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The February 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Aparna of
My Diverse Kitchen and Deeba of Passionate About Baking. They chose Tiramisu as the challenge for the month. Their challenge recipe is based on recipes from The Washington Post, Cordon Bleu at Home and Baking Obsession.

Ever since I saw one my friends' MSN status change to "best Lemon Tiramisu ever!" last November, I knew I HAD to make it myself. I was so excited that I went to the grocery store the next day and bought myself a bottle of vodka and a bag of lemons-- yes, i was going make my own Limoncello! Limoncello takes about 3 months to make so counting from November-->December--> January, February was going to be my Tiramisu due-date. Imagine my surprise when the Daring Bakers' announced their challenge, it was like a sign from God-- I was born to do this! Aparna and Deeba made it mandatory to make our own Mascarpone cheese + Ladyfingers and I was more than happy to oblige. Both were very easy to make and, like most of the DB recipes, turned out better than the ones store-bought. The fact that EVERYTHING in this recipe is homemade makes it taste better than the other Tiramisus I made before. Thank-you, Aparna and Deeba, for hosting and sharing this wonderful challenge with us!

I've included the original Daring Bakers' recipe below but here are the changes I made for Lemon Tiramisu:
  • For the Zabaglione (egg custard): replace Marsala wine with Limoncello.
  • For the Pastry Cream: add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the finished pastry cream, then heat it some more.
  • For the Tiramisu: Dip the ladyfingers in 1 cup of Limoncello + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (instead of the esspresso, rum, and sugar). Assemble the Tiramisu and sprinkle the top with graham cracker crumbs (or with almonds, lemon zest, chocolate, coconut...etc. It's up to you!).
Homemade Mascarpone Cheese
(Source: Vera’s Recipe for Homemade Mascarpone Cheese)
This recipe makes 12oz/ 340gm of mascarpone cheese
INGREDIENTS:
  • 474ml (approx. 500ml)/ 2 cups whipping cream (between 25% to 36% cream will do)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a wide skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low so the water is barely simmering. Pour the cream into a medium heat-resistant bowl, then place the bowl into the skillet. Heat the cream, stirring often, to 190 F (90 C) [picture 1]. If you do not have a thermometer, wait until small bubbles keep trying to push up to the surface.
  2. It will take about 15 minutes of delicate heating. Add the lemon juice and continue heating the mixture, stirring gently, until the cream curdles [picture 2]. All that the whipping cream will do is become thicker, like a well-done crème anglaise. It will cover a back of your wooden spoon thickly [picture 3]. You will see just a few clear whey streaks when you stir. Remove the bowl from the water and let cool for about 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, line a sieve with four layers of dampened cheesecloth and set it over a bowl [picture 4]. Transfer the mixture into the lined sieve [picture 5]. Do not squeeze the cheese in the cheesecloth or press on its surface (be patient, it will firm up after refrigeration time). Once cooled completely, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate (in the sieve) overnight or up to 24 hours.
  4. Vera’s notes: The first time I made mascarpone I had all doubts if it’d been cooked enough, because of its custard-like texture. Have no fear, it will firm up beautifully in the fridge, and will yet remain lusciously creamy [picture 6].
  5. Keep refrigerated and use within 3 to 4 days.
Ladyfingers / Savoidari Biscuits
(Source: Recipe from Cordon Bleu At Home)
This recipe makes approximately 24 big ladyfingers or 45 small (2 1/2" to 3" long) ladyfingers.
INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 eggs, separated
  • 6 tablespoons /75gms granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup/95gms cake flour, sifted
    (or 3/4 cup all purpose flour + 2 tbsp corn starch)
  • 6 tablespoons /50gms confectioner's sugar
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C) degrees, then lightly brush 2 baking sheets with oil or softened butter and line with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the egg whites using a hand held electric mixer until stiff peaks form [picture 1]. Gradually add granulate sugar and continue beating until the egg whites become stiff again, glossy and smooth.
  3. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly with a fork and fold them into the meringue, using a wooden spoon [picture 2]. Sift the flour over this mixture and fold gently until just mixed [picture 3]. It is important to fold very gently and not overdo the folding [picture 4]. Otherwise the batter would deflate and lose volume resulting in ladyfingers which are flat and not spongy.
  4. Fit a pastry bag with a plain tip (or just snip the end off; you could also use a Ziploc bag) and fill with the batter. Pipe the batter into 5" long and 3/4" wide strips leaving about 1" space in between the strips. Sprinkle half the confectioner's sugar over the ladyfingers and wait for 5 minutes. The sugar will pearl or look wet and glisten. Now sprinkle the remaining sugar [picture 5]. This helps to give the ladyfingers their characteristic crispness.
  5. Hold the parchment paper in place with your thumb and lift one side of the baking sheet and gently tap it on the work surface to remove excess sprinkled sugar.
  6. Bake the ladyfingers for 10 minutes, then rotate the sheets and bake for another 5 minutes or so until the puff up, turn lightly golden brown and are still soft [picture 6].
  7. Allow them to cool slightly on the sheets for about 5 minutes and then remove the ladyfingers from the baking sheet with a metal spatula while still hot, and cool on a rack.
  8. Store them in an airtight container till required. They should keep for 2 to 3 weeks.
Tiramisu
(Recipe source: Carminantonio's Tiramisu from The Washington Post, July 11 2007 )
This recipe makes 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
  • For the zabaglione:
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons sugar/50gms
  • 1/4 cup/60ml Marsala wine (or port or coffee)
  • 1/4 teaspoon/ 1.25ml vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

  • For the pastry cream:
  • 1/4 cup/55gms sugar
  • 1 tablespoon/8gms all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon/ 2.5ml vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3/4 cup/175ml whole milk

  • For the whipped cream:
  • 1 cup/235ml chilled heavy cream (we used 25%)
  • 1/4 cup/55gms sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon/ 2.5ml vanilla extract

  • To assemble the Tiramisu:
  • 2 cups/470ml brewed espresso, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon/5ml rum extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup/110gms sugar
  • 1/3 cup/75gms mascarpone cheese
  • 36 savoiardi/ ladyfinger biscuits (you may use less)
  • 2 tablespoons/30gms unsweetened cocoa powder
DIRECTIONS:
For the zabaglione:
  1. Heat water in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, place a pot with about an inch of water in it on the stove. Place a heat-proof bowl in the pot making sure the bottom does not touch the water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl (or stainless steel mixing bowl), mix together the egg yolks, sugar, the Marsala (or espresso/ coffee), vanilla extract and lemon zest. Whisk together until the yolks are fully blended and the mixture looks smooth.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the top of a double boiler or place your bowl over the pan/ pot with simmering water. Cook the egg mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 8 minutes or until it resembles thick custard. It may bubble a bit as it reaches that consistency.
  4. Let cool to room temperature and transfer the zabaglione to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, until thoroughly chilled.
For the pastry cream:
  1. Mix together the sugar, flour, lemon zest and vanilla extract in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. To this add the egg yolk and half the milk. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Now place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from curdling.
  3. Add the remaining milk a little at a time, still stirring constantly. After about 12 minutes the mixture will be thick, free of lumps and beginning to bubble. (If you have a few lumps, don’t worry. You can push the cream through a fine-mesh strainer.)
  4. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic film and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, until thoroughly chilled.
For the whipped cream:
  1. Combine the cream, sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or immersion blender until the mixture holds stiff peaks. Set aside.
To assemble the tiramisu:
  1. Have ready a rectangular serving dish (about 8" by 8" should do) or one of your choice.
  2. Mix together the warm espresso, rum extract and sugar in a shallow dish, whisking to mix well. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with a spoon to break down the lumps and make it smooth. This will make it easier to fold. Add the prepared and chilled zabaglione and pastry cream, blending until just combined [picture 1]. Gently fold in the whipped cream [picture 2]. Set this cream mixture aside.
  4. Working quickly, dip 12 of the ladyfingers in the sweetened espresso, about 1 second per side [picture 3]. They should be moist but not soggy.
  5. Immediately transfer each ladyfinger to the platter, placing them side by side in a single row [picture 4]. You may break a lady finger into two, if necessary, to ensure the base of your dish is completely covered.
  6. Spoon one-third of the cream mixture on top of the ladyfingers, then use a rubber spatula or spreading knife to cover the top evenly, all the way to the edges [picture 5].
  7. Repeat to create 2 more layers, using 12 ladyfingers and the cream mixture for each layer. Clean any spilled cream mixture; cover carefully with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tiramisu overnight.
  8. To serve, carefully remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the tiramisu with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh strainer or decorate as you please [picture 6]. Cut into individual portions and serve.
Lemon Tiramisu

26 comments:

  1. Wow, this sounds positively fabulous with that homemade mascarpone and savoiardi and a lemon flavor to boot. I want some of this.

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  2. I think a lemon version sounds fantastic! Lovely creative thinking :)

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  3. It looks beautiful and I bet the lemon flavour was fantastic! I made a raspberry one and really liked the tart fruit with the creamy filling. What excellent timing with your Limoncello!

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  4. I love the use of lemon, this challenge brought out the best in so many daring bakers, congrats on a great job!

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  5. Your Tiramisu is lovely. :) Great job on this challenge!

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  6. Congratulations on your 100th post! Your lemon tiramisu looks gorgeous and I bet it tasted really good! Great job!

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  7. That sounds and looks fabulous and is now on my own list of things to make.. hum homemade lemonchello that might go on my list to!

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  8. Congrats on your 100th post and on this challenge! It looks great and I love the flavours.

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  9. WOW, that Limoncello Tiramisu sounds wonderful! What is the recipe to make the Limoncello??? Great job!

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  10. I see your mascarpone cheese turned out wonderful too. Mine did too. Didn't eat my tiramasu though, I froze it. -- Sherry aka www.rosemaryandthegoat.com

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  11. Well done indeed Angelica. What a passionate Tiramisu. limencello does sound very very novel and intriguing too! Congrats on your 100th post. A precious milestone indeed! Thank you for playing along with the challenge. We love being host!

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  12. Congratulations on your milestone post. Your lovely Tiramisu is definitely a fitting way to celebrate. :)
    Thanks for baking with us.

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  13. Congratulations on your 100th post! It's awesome that you've kept this blog for this long! And I'm very glad to be one of your readers!

    Also, congrats on the tiramisu! Lemon flavoured is a wonderful idea! And it looks lovely!

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  14. It's so light and lovely looking! And you made your own limoncello to boot. This is a very impressive 100th post. Great work! :)

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  15. ooh the lemon sounds divine. im sure that it compliments the coffee flavor very well. and congrats on the 100th post!

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  16. Your tiramisu sound so refreshing. Where is your recipe for limoncello? I'd love to see it! Great blog! Keep up the good work!

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  17. Congratulations on your 100th post! Lemon tiramisu sounds yummy - goes well with the lemon-flavored zabaglione and pastry cream, I bet.

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  18. It looks divine. I love lemon desserts.

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  19. Gorgeous lemon tiramisu and congrats on your 100th blog post! Also, two things..1) Your photos and plating look spectacular and 2) Has anyone ever told you you look like Mila Kunis? :)

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  20. Congratulatioons on your 100th post!! I am surprised you didn't gain any weight hehehe ;) I hope you will continue to deliver us mouth watering recipes after becoming a famous doctor :)

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  21. This is very clever - I love to try the lemony version! Nice step to step photos :-)

    Sawadee from bangkok,
    Kris

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  22. congrats on 100 posts. i just saw some tiramisu on another blog, and i still can't believe people really make their own mascarpone!

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  23. I've always wanted to try my hands on making a homemade limoncello, this post got me all excited again =). Your tiramisu looks great. Nicely done

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  24. Congratulations on post #100!
    Your lemon tiramisu look delicious. My belief is you can never have too much lemon. :-) Homemade lemoncello sounds delicious. Great job!

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  25. YAY to your 100th post! I totally understand the procrastinator in ALL of us...

    And how awesome is it that you made your own limoncello. It'd probably be a cool little experiment for me since I love all sorts of infusing-related activity. Inner dork speaking.

    I love the look of your tiramisu. Looks like the sort I'd get at a old school Italian restaurant. mmm, miss it so badly!

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  26. I Love the recipe that contain lemon juice, the taste is really wonderful and delicious. this is my favorite fruit and i enjoy preparing recipes. My boyfriend always enjoy all my recipe. He is really happy.
    Actually I was looking for information how to buy viagra by internet and I saw this blog, so I prefered to read about it.

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