Tiramisu & Soft Amaretti
This month, Nonna has been showing me how to make some classic Italian sweet treats.
Nonna's method of baking is very cut-throat; she prefers to throw everything together in one bowl and use very loose measurements, going with her instincts as opposed to following a recipe - I don't think I've ever seen Nonna use a recipe, ever. Mum and I managed to piece together the measurements so that we can share her recipes with you..
Tiramisu
This quick and easy Northern Italian dessert is made with a creamy mascarpone filling, coffee-dunked ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of cocoa. Nonna's Pantry will supply you with authentic ingredients, so you can create your own delicious tiramisu at home!
A traditional recipe involves no alcohol, however it's a modern addition that we love. You can use our Amaretto or Vin Santo del Chianti dessert wine to give your tiramisu a richer flavour.
Ingredients
You'll need..
500g mascarpone*
24 ladyfinger biscuits (one packet)*
230ml strong brewed coffee*
3tbsp grated dark chocolate
4 egg yolks
3 egg whites
6tbsp sugar
4tbsp Amaretto* or Vin Santo dessert wine* (optional)
1tbsp cocoa powder
*Ingredients that are found in our pantry
You will also need a dish that is roughly 8 x10 inches to make this, but you can use more or less ladyfingers to accommodate the size of dish.
Method
Before making, we'd recommend watching our Instagram reel, so you can see exactly how we make it.
To begin, divide the egg whites and yolk into two separate bowls, and add 3tbsp sugar to each (we'd recommend using soft light brown sugar for a caramel flavour if you are not using alcohol in your recipe; but any sugar works regardless).Whisk the egg whites until they are stiff and glossy.
Moving on to the egg yolks, whisk those until pale and thick.
Next add the mascarpone to the yolks and mix to make a smooth cream.
One third at a time, gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture.
In a shallow bowl, dip the ladyfingers into the coffee for about 2-3 seconds, making sure to soak both sides.If you're adding alcohol, mix the coffee with the Amaretto or dessert wine before dunking the lady fingers.
Lay half of the ladyfingers in your dish to make an even layer.
Now add the half of the mascarpone mixture over the biscuits, making an even layer, and top with the grated dark chocolate.
Continue with another layer of ladyfingers, and top again with the mascarpone, as you have previously done.
Dust with cocoa powder to finish, and leave to rest in the fridge for roughly 6-8 hours before serving.
Buon Appetito!
Soft Amaretti
Amaretti biscuits are usual a crunchy, almond biscuit, which pairs perfectly with coffee.
Contrary to usual amaretti, Nonna makes hers into a soft doughy texture; more of a cakey treat to be enjoyed respectively.So here's Nonna's take on the classic amaretti biscuit.
Ingredients
You'll need..
400g brown sugar
2 heaped tsp baking powder
3 eggs
4 tbsp olive oil*
50ml Amaretto*
400g ground almonds
Icing sugar to dust
*Ingredients that are found in our pantry
Method
Before making, we'd recommend watching our Instagram reel, so you can see exactly how we make it.
Start off by combining the sugar with the baking powder, then add the eggs.
Whisk in the olive oil, along with the Amaretto to make a light, smooth mixture.
Add the ground almonds and need into a doughy paste.
Dust your hands with icing sugar, before rolling into small balls (roughly 2-3cm in diameter) and laying on a lined baking tray, making sure they are not touching.
Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 15 minutes, or until golden on top.
Allow to cool a little - this will help the amaretti harden - then finish with a dusting of icing sugar.
Buonissimo!
