Happy Friday! Tiramisu for 1 - 2

This scaled-down version of a much-loved Italian treat 

makes 2 servings - so you can either have it for dessert 

2 days in a row, or share it with a lucky someone.

Prepare today - enjoy tomorrow!

Tiramisu for 1-2:

9 ladyfingers

2 tbsp brandy*

1 tbsp ground coffee*

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp strong brewed coffee

1/2 cup marscapone cheese or lite creamcheese

2 egg yolks, whisked till smooth throughout

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed to a slurry with 2 tbsp water

1/4 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cocoa powder 

Whipped cream (optional)

Pour the *brandy over the ground coffee; add sugar.

Stir, cover and let stand for 1 hour.

Dissolve sugar in milk and heat in top of double boiler

until steaming but not boiling.  Add cornstarch slurry

while whisking to prevent lumps forming; continue to 

whisk till thickened.

Add half the milk mixture to the beaten egg, whisking

with one hand while pouring in a stream with the other.

When this is all thoroughly smooth, stir back into the 

remaining mixture in the double boiler, and whisk 

gently for 5 minutes, or until the custard is quite thick.

Remove the custard, ladle into a bowl, stir in the vanilla,
and let cool for 1/2 hour.  Add the marscapone or lite
creamcheese and again whisk till smooth.

Pour the *brandy-infused coffee through a coffee-filter-lined

sieve into a small cup or bowl, getting as much of the liquid
out of the grounds as possible.  Add the brewed coffee.
Discard the coffee grounds.

Layer 3 ladyfingers in the bottom of your chosen dish(es).
(I use a 4"x5" dish that is 4" deep). Ladle 1/2 the brandied coffee
over the ladyfingers, then cover with 1/3 of the custard cream.

Repeat the layers once, then top with 3 more ladyfingers 

and dust with cocoa.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Good topped with whipped cream just before serving.

The remaining 1/3 of the custard is for eating

at once accompanied with fresh fruit of your choice,

a dollop of whipped cream, and more ladyfingers for dipping!

*If preferable you can substitute all coffee for the brandy.