THE Tiramisu
Savoiardi Biscuits, 600g, Matilde Vicenzi, Vicenzovo brand is the best ( you don’t want gigantic ones)
Mascarpone Cheese, 750g
Eggs, 3, separated, we are only using whites, you can use the yolks another time
Caster sugar, 275g
Vanila Paste, ½ tsp
Coffee, hot and fresh, 2 1/2 cups (espresso is best, filter coffee is too watery)
Kahlua (4tbs)
Cocoa
Dark chocolate, 20g, finely grated
Add sugar and 90ml water to a saucepan and heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and let it bubble undisturbed until the syrup reaches 112°C. Remove from heat and beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually pour the syrup in while beating until thick and glossy. This takes 3-5 minutes. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
Add ¼ of the mascarpone and whisk to combine. Add the remaining mascarpone and whisk until well combined.
Add mascarpone and vanilla and beat until just combined.
Combine the hot coffee and Kahlua in a shallow bowl and set aside. If this cools too much, reheat in the microwave to keep it hot.
Line the base of a 29cm x 21cm rectangular ceramic dish with a single layer of biscuits, dipping each one in the coffee mixture so the base layer is well soaked - this layer should be the soggiest of all.
For two layers of biscuits (thicker mascarpone): cover the base layer with half the mascarpone cream, half of the cocoa and half of the grated chocolate, add a second layer of more lightly dipped biscuits, then top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
For three layers of biscuits (thinner mascarpone): cover the base layer with one third of the mascarpone cream, add a second layer of biscuits dipped a little less than the first, cover with another third of the cream, add a third layer of biscuits dipped even more briefly, then top with the remaining cream.
Sieve the remaining cocoa evenly over the top layer of mascarpone cream. Top with remaining grated chocolate.
Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Note: I prefer to add the kahlua after the first layer of biscuits has been dunked. If added to the base, the alcohol tends to dominate. Play around with this.