Every time Nonna Grazia (my mother in law) visits us from Italy, I gain a few pounds. Among her specialties is the Tiramisu. I documented the steps she took to make this magic, yet simple dessert (recipe is for 4 people – total time ~15 mins).

Ingredients
– 4 yolks
– 8 oz. Mascarpone cheese
– Sugar
– 1 cup of coffee
– 10-12 Savoiardi cookies
– Milk
– Powder cocoa (optional)

Start by making the coffee. She usually uses a traditional Italian Espresso coffee machine, which makes the coffee in about 4 minutes. You can even use some ready coffee, since there are many brands and kinds available at the superstore.

Meanwhile, beat the yolks with 4 tbs of sugar until creamy (1-2 minutes). Use an electrical handmixer which makes the job faster and the cream smoother. Add the mascarpone cheese and beat for an additional minute until the cream becomes very smooth.

Pour the coffee in a bowl and add some milk and sugar (or nothing at all if you like the coffee strong). Dip the Savoirdi cookies quickly on both sides to avoid that they become too moistured and eventually break.

Lay them on the bottom of a flat serving dish (a Pyrex is ideal), cover them with the cream and, right before serving, spread the top with some powder cocoa. Cover and chill for a couple of hours.

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