Baking Challenge - October '10

Last month I talked about how I was going to change up the "rules" on my baking challenge.

I decided that instead of making the last page article recipe of MSL every month, I was going to start making all the recipes I have been saving over the years.

The first recipe I chose was Tiramisu Cookies.  Tiramisu is one of my all-time favorite desserts and I've been hanging onto this recipe for over two years.

Start by beating 5 yolks with 1/2 cup sugar.

Then add 3 tbsp. instant espresso powder (i had to use instant coffee).

Then add 1/2 cup cake flour.

This batter is thick!!!

In another bowl, beat 5 egg whites with 1/4 tsp. salt.  I took a tip from Beth at Stories of A to Z and cleaned my bowl right before using it - I really think this helped!

Once it got foamy, I added 1/2 cup sugar.

Check out those peaks!!

Finish up the batter by folding the white mixture into the yolk mixture.

You are supposed to pipe the batter into 2x1 rectangles - I obviously need to work on my piping skills.

The cream was very simple - mascarpone, confectioner's sugar, amaretto and vanilla extract.

Spread the flat side of the cookies with melted chocolate and allow to harden.

Make a sandwich with two cookies and a dollop of cream.

The cookies definitely have the elements of tiramisu but they don't hold a candle to the real thing.

I really like simple cookie recipes - if a recipe is more involved it has to be worth it and these weren't.  I'd rather spend the time making a real Tiramisu.