Tiramisu without the raw egg

I was hosting a Mother's day lunch and needed a "make ahead" dessert that could cater for pregnant mum, breastfeeding mum and elderly mother who requires soft food.  By making some tweaks this  Tiramisu can cater for all those dietary requirements.  I will admit I swapped out the raw egg but kept in the small amount of alcohol.  You could leave that out also if you want to.  It tasted delicious and a big thank you to my new daughter in law for the great photograph.

Ingredients

300 ml thickened cream

250g mascarpone

1/4 caster sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 !/2 cups espresso or very strong coffee, cooled

2 tablespoons coffee liquor or similar alcohol or leave out entirely

24 - 28 Savoiardi or similar lady finger biscuits, depends on the bowl/pan you aare using

1 tablespoon good cocoa powder

Method

In a mixing bowl beat the cream until stiff peaks form.

In another bowl beat the mascarpone, sugar and finally until smooth.

Using a spatula fold the cream into the mascarpone mixture, use beaters to combine.

In a shallow bowl combine the cooled coffee and the liquor (if using) together.  

Lightly dip each lady finger into the coffee mixture, do this quickly avoiding soaking the biscuit, otherwise they become soggy and will fall apart.

Choose your container that suits. approx 20 cm x 20 cm

Lay the dipped sponge fingers on the bottom of the container.

Spread half of the cream mixture over the sponge fingers.

Repeat with another layer.

Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight (I made this on a Thursday and it was delicious for Saturday lunch)

Prior to serving dust with cocoa powder I use a small sieve.

Stunning !!

Mamma Marmalade