Tiramisu

Here's my favorite desert recipe. I've tried a few variations and found that this worked best. I've included an Eggless variation below for those who prefer it without the eggs. I have tried both and I prefer mine with the egg custard, its a lot laborious but its worth all the time and effort.

Ingredients4 eggs saperated
2 cups strong black coffee (I use Nescafé espresso)
1 cup marsala (or Boronia)
2 tbsp Kahlua
1/2 cup caster sugar for the custard
250g mascarpone
300ml thickened cream, whipped (with sugar if preferred a little sweeter)
1 large packet of sponge fingers (savoiardi) Chocolate sauce (optional)
Cocoa, for dusting

Method1. Dipping Mixture: In a shallow dish combine warm water and coffee, stirring until coffee dissolves. Now mix ½ cup marsala and Kahlua to this and set aside. (Do a taste test and check for the sweetness if you like it sweeter add a little caster sugar.)
2. Custard: In a large bowl using an electric mixer beat egg yolks and sugar together until light and creamy. Transfer the egg-yolk mixture to a double boiler. Bring water to a boil and add remaining ½ cup marsala to the egg-yolk mixture. Now keep whisking it till it reaches a custard consistency (Do not directly cook on stove). Now immediately transfer the bowl to a basin of cold water. This helps to stop the custard from overcooking. Make sure that no water touches the custard. Now set aside.
3. Cream: Beat egg whites till stiff peaks form, "FOLD" in the mascarpone and the whipped cream together along with the egg-yolk custard until well combined. (Do not whisk or beat). Leave in the fridge for about 10mins.
4. In the meantime take a 6cm deep, 18x28cm baking dish or use a ceramic lasagna dish to start layering your Tiramisu. Using half the biscuits, dip 1 at a time into coffee, turning to coat. Now layer the bottom of the dish with the coffee-dipped biscuits.
5. Now spread half the mascarpone mixture over biscuits to cover. Repeat layers with remaining biscuits, Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight preferably. This helps the Tiramisu set perfectly so it is easy to slice and serve. Dust generously with cocoa and drizzle with chocolate sauce and serve immediately.

Variation: Marsala can be replaced with a light cherry sauce or just the coffee mixture.

Add berries in the layers to make it a berrilicious tiramisu.
And if you do not like using Eggs, skip it entirely and just use whipped cream and mascarpone instead. It is a lot easier and does taste great.