Tiramisu

Classic Tiramisu with Sponge Cake & Zabaglione

SPONGE CAKE
1 c milk
1/4 c butter
2 c unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs
2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325. Grease & flour 9x13 pan.

In small saucepan, combine milk & butter. Heat on low just until butter melts, remove from heat & set aside to cool slightly.

In small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder & salt. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, beat eggs on medium high speed for 4 minutes. Add sugar & continue beating another 5 minutes until light. Turn mixer to low speed & add vanilla, mixing until just combined. Add dry ingredients & blend on low speed until just combined. Do not overbeat.

Pour batter into prepared pan; bake for 35-40 minutes until cake is lightly browned & springs back when touched in center (or tests clean). Remove from oven to cool on wire rack; loosen edges by drawing a sharp knife around. Allow to cool for 10 minutes; turn out on wire rack to cool completely.

COFFEE GLAZE
1 c. espresso (or other strong coffee)
1 TBS raw cane sugar (may substitute granulated)

Brew espresso, add sugar & stir to dissolve. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

ZABAGLIONE
1 lb (2 tubs) mascarpone cheese (room temperature)

1 & 1/2 c whipping cream

4 large egg yolks
1/2 c granulated sugar
1/2 c Marsala (or Tawny Port)

2 TBS Dutch cocoa powder

Turn the mascarpone into a large mixing bowl; mash until creamy.
Pour whipping cream into medium glass bowl & place in refrigerator to chill; place metal beaters in freezer for 10 minutes, then transfer to fridge to keep cold.

Put 2 inches of water in sauce pan & bring to a boil. Place yolks in small heat proof mixing bowl (one that will fit as an insert into the saucepan without touching the water level); whisk until light & fluffy. Add sugar & whisk to combine. Add Marsala & whisk well. Place bowl over simmering water & whisk constantly until custard mixture thickens. Do not allow to come to a boil! Remove from heat & whisk another minute. Allow to cool slightly while whipping the cream.

Whip the chilled cream using the chilled beaters. Do not overbeat or allow cream to "curdle".

Add the custard to the mascarpone & whisk until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the custard mixture just until combined & smooth.

TO ASSEMBLE THE CAKE
Slice the cooled Sponge Cake in half horizontally to make 2 layers. Place one layer in the bottom of a clean 9x13 pan. Brush generously with 1/3-1/2 the coffee glaze. Cake should be moist, but not soaked. Evenly spoon 1/2 the zabaglione cream over the bottom layer; spread to smooth. Repeat with remaining cake layer & zabaglione.

Place cocoa powder in mesh strainer; tap gently to sprinkle lightly over top of Tiramisu.

Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.