foodblog-isys100

Tiramisu is a classic Italian desert. There are countless variations of this desert, this is one I have come across which is delicious.  It combines the richness and sweetness of cream, mascarpone cheese and with the bitter hit of coffee. Alcohol such as Kailua or rum can also be added to add another element to this desert combining all of the indulgent things in life: cream, chocolate, coffee and alcohol. It is served cold and goes well after any meal however because of its origin it is perfect to finish off a classic Italian meal. This tiramisu is satisfying but not too rich so can be indulged. This recipe is from a girl from Florence in Italy and was a favourite continually being requested with other attempting to recreate this desert. It is simple to make however a few simple mistakes are easy to make which can diminish from the finished product. This recipe is also very quick to prepare however it does need to set in the fridge overnight.

First you will need to separate the eggs into two different bowls you can choose which you would like to work with first. You will need to combine the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks and thickened cream in one bowl. In the other bowl add a pinch of salt to the egg whites this will help them rise. Beat the egg whites until they form soft white peaks make sure not to over work the egg whites otherwise the cream mixture will not set (this has happened to me but it still tastes as good anyway!). Then gently fold in the cream mixture to the egg whites. Brew the coffee make sure it is very strong this can be done with instant, plunger or espresso coffee whichever you prefer this is the point where you could add the alcohol if you wish. Wait until the coffee has cooled then dip in the biscuits one at the time and layer them across the bottom of the container you are making the tiramisu in. Then pour a portion of the cream mixture across the biscuits and continue this layering process until you run out of cream mixture or biscuits. Finish off with a layer of the cream and sprinkle as much cocoa powder as you want! Then put it in the fridge and let it set for at least a few hours if you can wait that long J

If you’re not a fan of coffee we experimented with replacing the coffee and alcohol with green tea. Again the green tea powder and mix with water again this has to be strong to get the full flavour. Simply soak the biscuits in the green tea mixture. And follow the rest of the recipe. It has a different quality still delicious but I personally still prefer the original with all the indulgences.

Lamingtons are a classic ‘aussie’ favourite! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love these tasty cakes. They are a great nostalgic memory for many Australian childhoods! You can buy lamingtons from almost any supermarket but I think they are extra delicious when you make them yourself. They are simple and easy to make, you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to create these scrumptious cakes.

Makes: 24 lamingtons

3 eggs

1/2 cup castor sugar

3/4 cup self raising flour

1/4 cup cornflour

1 teaspoon butter

3 tablespoons hot water

500g icing sugar

1/3 cup cocoa

2 teaspoons butter

1/2 cup milk

375 g coconut

1. Beat eggs until light, gradually add sugar, continue beating until mixture is thick and sugar completely dissolved (approximately 10 minutes)

2. Sift dry ingredients several times

3. Melt butter in hot water

4. Sift the dry ingredients several times

5. Melt butter in hot water

6. Sift the dry ingredients over egg mixture, fold in, then gently fold in hot water and butter.

7. Pour into well greased 28 cm by 18 cm lamington tin.

8. Bake in moderate oven approximately 30 minutes

9. Cool

10. Sift icing sugar and cocoa into top half of double saucepan.

11. Add softened butter and milk, stir to mix thoroughly; stir constantly over hot water until icing is of good coating consistency.

12. Cut cake into 24 pieces

13. Hold each piece of cake on a fork.

14. Dip each cake in icing, then toss in coconut.

15. Allow to stand on wire rack until icing sets.

Tips: I have very few tips for this simple recipe, except a small modification, I find it is better to bake the cake 24 hours prior to dipping in chocolate as they are not as soft and therefore as easy to break when dipping in the chocolate icing!

You can of course modify the chocolate icing by using cooking chocolate or adding more or less icing sugar depending on your tastes!

Here's a funny video on how you can make lamingtons, check it out!

What you will need:
·         200g pork mince
·         200g beef mince
·         1 apple
·         1 onion
·         1 egg yolk
·         Salt
·         Pepper
·         All spice (or salt pepper and paprika)
·         Splash of cream
·         Bread crumbs

You will need to finely chop the apple and onion and simply combine all of the ingredients. It will depend on the consistency as to how much cream and bread crumbs you will use, the mixture needs to remain pretty solid to create a good meat ball. In order to get the flavour right you need to continue tasting the mixture to get the right amount of salt, pepper and all spice. You can put as much or as little spices as you want depending on your flavour preference. You then simply need to oil a pan and roll the mixture into small meatballs. Put them in the hot pan and toss until cooked.  To check if the meatballs are ready you need to poke the meatballs, they are ready when they are bouncy put firm in the middle. Enjoy!