A Sweet Gift- Tiramisu

I had been racking my brain for weeks trying to figure out what I was going to get my mom for Mother's Day. Sometimes it just seems like she already has everything, and store bought gifts aren't always the most meaningful.  So, I wanted to make her something delicious that she just could not resist. This recipe is simple and delicious, and I hope you give it a try.

My mom's mom used to always make homemade Tiramisu and I knew my mom had not eaten one in years. I figured this would be the perfect Mother's Day gift. If you didn't know, Tiramisu is an Italian dessert and it means "pick me up."  There are several different versions and recipes for a traditional Tiramisu, but the one I made was absolutely perfect. I found this recipe on the wonderful FoodNetwork.

You will need:
24 packaged lady fingers
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup coffee liqueur  or brewed coffee.
1 cup heaving whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

For the spicy chocolate sauce, in a saucepan whisk together the half-and-half, unsweetened cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cayenne pepper. Simmer over medium heat for about five minutes. Turn the heat off and allow to cool before adding the coffee.

For the whipped cream, pour heavy cream into a medium bowl and beat with electric mixer for about 2 minutes, until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and mascarpone cheese. Mix until well combined.

Assembly:  Begin dipping 2 to 3 ladyfingers into the chocolate sauce and place on the bottom of a dish. Pour 1 Tbsp of chocolate sauce over the ladyfingers. Spread 2 Tbsp of the whipped cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers. Allow Tiramisu to cool in fridge for atleast 30 minutes.

Hope you enjoy!