Tiramisu. Pick me up, I'm in love!

Desserts. I LOVE them! One of my tried and true loves has always been Tiramisu (means "pick me up" in Italian).  Buca di Beppo restaurants serve my all time favorite 'su. Its a huge honking bowl of sweet, coffee, liquor, cream cheese deliciousness that is meant to be shared but I dare not!

My in-laws make a killer tiramisu also. Here's the recipe.

3 large eggs

4 tablespoons sugar

8 oz mascarpone cheese

2 cups cold strong black coffee or espresso

5 tablespoons of Frangelico

1 package Savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits

Unsweetened cocoa powder

Separate the eggs in a bowl. Beat the yolks and sugar, until fully combined and creamy. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add the mascarpone to the yolk mixture, a spoonful at a time. Stir until all is incorporated and mixture is smooth. Slowly fold in the egg whites. Set aside.

Combine the coffee and Frangelico in a shallow dish. Dip half the package of ladyfingers (one at a time) in the liquid, soaking both sides. Don't let them soak too long, they will fall apart! Line a serving dish with the coffee coated ladyfingers. Pour half the mascarpone mixture into the dish to cover the ladyfinger layer. Dip the remaining fingers in the coffee and repeat the layering. Pour the remaining mascarpone mixture on the ladyfingers and smooth the surface.

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours in a refrigerator.The colder the better so if you can, leave it overnight! Before serving coat top with sifted cocoa powder. Serve and enjoy!