Ummmmm Thursday

Good morning House Cuppers, as Thealexklein has been called away on a top secret mission for the headmistress, something about horcruxes, I will do my best to fill in today. 

Potions class this month is all about brewing an invigorating draught.  Years ago I did an exchange term at the Italian Institute of Witchcraft and Pastamaking.  During this stint we learned a very important invigorating draught - Tiramisu - the translation of which means "pick me up".  It is sort of like a sweet lasagna.  Perhaps it is the coffee and booze in the desert or just the fact that nothing is sexier than a man who makes deserts that gives it the name.  In any case if you are trying to clear needle-hook-and-spindle block try this recipe for inspiration.  Maybe after a heaping dish you can knit a pastry cozy.

Tiramisu

Ingredients:

6 egg yolks

3 tablespoons sugar
1 pound mascarpone cheese (you can use cream cheese, but it will not be as good) 
1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
2 teaspoons Vin Santo or dark rum
24 packaged ladyfingers
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish


Directions:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.

In a small shallow dish, add remaining espresso and rum. Dip each ladyfinger into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.

Spread evenly 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.

Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
Before serving, sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Finally swing by the dungeon for a glass of grappa to finish off the evening.