Tiramisu: the classic recipe and the origins of an Italian dessert

Tiramisu is undoubtedly one of the most famous and loved Italian desserts in the world . Its origin is a matter of debate, but it is believed to have ancient roots and probably dates back to the 17th century. Like many traditional Italian recipes, tiramisu also has an intriguing history that has helped make it a symbol of Italian gastronomy. But what makes this dessert so special?

The word "tiramisu" in Italian literally means "pull me up" , an invitation to gather strength. And that's exactly what tiramisu promises: a sweetness that gives energy and a charge of happiness.

Tiramisu is said to have originated in the Veneto region, specifically Treviso . According to legend, the dessert was first invented in a brothel, where prostitutes prepared this treat for customers as an aphrodisiac. The tiramisu would help "cheer up" their spirits, hence the name. However, this story may just be a legend and there is no concrete evidence to support it.

Another theory suggests that tiramisu was created in the 17th century in Florence , during the reign of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de' Medici. It is said that tiramisu was one of the favorite desserts of the Medici court and was served as a dessert during royal banquets. This would explain how the dessert has gained fame and success since its early days.

Whatever the true origin of tiramisu, the recipe quickly spread throughout Italy and then to the rest of the world. Today, tiramisu is present in the menus of numerous restaurants and trattorias not only in Italy but also abroad. Its irresistible combination of ladyfingers biscuits soaked in coffee, mascarpone cream and cocoa powder has conquered the palates of millions of people.

Now that you've discovered a bit of the history of tiramisu, it's time to get your hands dirty and prepare a delicious homemade tiramisu. Here is the classic recipe:

Ingredients:

– 500 g of mascarpone

– 300 g of ladyfingers

– 4 eggs

– 100 g of sugar

– 1 cup of strong coffee

– 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder

– 1 pinch of salt

Method:

1. Prepare the coffee and let it cool.

2. Separate the yolks from the whites. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until you obtain a frothy mixture.

3. Add the mascarpone to the egg yolk and sugar mixture and mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream.

4. In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff with a pinch of salt.

5. Add the whipped egg whites to the mascarpone cream delicately, mixing from bottom to top with slow and delicate movements.

6. Soak the ladyfingers in the coffee and make a layer of biscuits on the bottom of a rectangular baking tray.

7. Cover the biscuits with a layer of mascarpone cream and dust with a spoonful of cocoa powder.

8. Continue alternating layers of biscuits, cream and cocoa until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.

9. Cover the pan with cling film and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but even better if overnight.

10. Before serving, dust with more cocoa powder.

Done! You have just prepared an authentic homemade tiramisu. Now you can enjoy it and share it with your friends!

Remember that the tiramisu recipe is very versatile and you can customize it according to your preferences. Some popular variations include the addition of liqueurs such as marsala, rum, or coffee liqueur . Choose high-quality ingredients to achieve an excellent result and don't forget that patience is the key to a perfect tiramisu.