Tiramisu screams pick me up! (2024)

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Who doesn’t want to have their daily dose of caffeine and eat it too? Look
no further than the queen of desserts, Tiramisu. Originating from the historic town of Treviso in northern Italy, Tiramisu has conquered the dessert world. Tiremi su in the local dialect literally translates to “pick me up”. One of the stories of its origin traces back to a crafty “pleasure house” owner whipping this coffee spiked dessert for the gentlemen to reinvigorate them and solve any problems in performing their conjugal duties upon return to their wives.

The more plausible origin is that of the restaurant La Beccherie in Treviso adding Tiramisu to their menu in the 1960s. The classic version is a perfect combination of farm-fresh egg yolks, cream, coffee, cocoa and Savoiardi, a type of dry ladyfinger biscuit.

An early iteration of Tiramisu is believed to have been called Sbatudin literally means shake me, which was an energy drink made with egg yolks and sugar, called the lover’s potion, recommended for newlyweds.

In the 1980s Tiramisu was made popular by chefs in New York’s Italian restaurants and from there the modern-day adaptations began to conquer dessert menus around the globe.

The simplicity of putting it together combined with its unique flavour makes Tiramisu a must-have for any dinner party. Even though modern versions have alcohol in the recipe, the traditionalists would not use any alcohol at all. The freshness of eggs is of utmost importance, so is the quality of mascarpone cheese, coffee extract and cocoa. Ideally, Tiramisu would be made the day before and refrigerated for the flavour to develop overnight.

Ingredients

Tiramisu mousse

1 kg Mascarpone cheese

205 gm egg yolk

235+35 gm sugar

180 ml water

315 gm egg whites

10 gm gelatin

25 gm cocoa powder

Soaking liquid

250 ml Espresso coffee (or coffee extract )

100 ml sugar syrup

50 ml Kahlua (any coffee flavoured liqueur..optional )

1 kg Savoiardi (ladyfinger biscuits)

Method

Mix mascarpone and cream till it is smooth and set aside. Whisk egg yolks until double volume in an electric mixer with the whisk attachment. Mix and heat up 235 gm sugar and 180 ml water in a heavy bottom pan to 118 c (softball stage of sugar), add gelatin (softened in cold water if using gelatin sheets) and whisk well.

Add the hot sugar mix in a gentle stream to the whisking egg yolks and keep whisking till the mixture reaches room temperature. Fold into the mascarpone mix and set aside. Whisk all the egg whites and 35 gm sugar till soft peak stage (fluffy meringue) and fold in gently without deflating the mixture.

Assembly

You could set the Tiramisu in individual moulds or even in a nice Martini glass. To make a party size Tiramisu cake, layer in a rectangular pyrex dish 2 inches deep. Soak Savoiardi biscuits for five seconds each in the Tiramisu soaking liquid and layer the bottom of the dish. For the next layer, pour half of the Tiramisu mousse mix. Sprinkle half of the cocoa powder onto the layer. Place another layer of coffee-soaked Savoiardi biscuits on top.

Finish with a layer of Tiramisu mousse and refrigerate overnight. Tiramisu develops its best flavour when rested in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. You could unmould the Tiramisu onto a plate to serve or leave it in the dish itself. Dust with the rest of the cocoa powder just before serving. Make sure you burn off the extra calories by doing your daily preferred “workout” routine!

(The author is a chef based in Brisbane, Australia. An exponent of regional Italian cuisine, he’s from the class of ‘94 IHM Kovalam and loves playing with fire. He’s an avid permaculture gardener and Border Collie whisperer.)

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Published

23 October 2021, 19:03

IST

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Tiramisu screams pick me up! (2024)

FAQs

Why does tiramisu mean "pick me up"? ›

Tiremi su in the local dialect literally translates to “pick me up”. One of the stories of its origin traces back to a crafty “pleasure house” owner whipping this coffee spiked dessert for the gentlemen to reinvigorate them and solve any problems in performing their conjugal duties upon return to their wives.

Does tiramisu mean lift me up? ›

Its origin is disputed between the Italian regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The name comes from the Italian tirami su ( lit. 'pick me up' or 'cheer me up').

Does tiramisu mean cheer me up? ›

up”. On that note, add cheer to your day with our signature. Tiramisu created with a spoonful of perfection and a. pinch of love.

What does tiramisu mean in Italian slang? ›

What is Tiramisu? The literal meaning of Tiramisu in Italian is “pick me up” or “cheer me up”.

Is tiramisu unhealthy? ›

Tiramisu is the clear loser here at 400 calories for 5 ounces. The primary ingredients are usually some mixture of creamy fats, processed sugars and alcohol. A typical recipe calls for eggs, mascarpone cheese, ladyfingers, cream, espresso, liquor (e.g., brandy, Marsala or rum), sugar, and cocoa or shaved chocolate.

Does tiramisu make you stay awake? ›

Will tiramisu keep me awake? Tiramisu usually calls for just a little bit of espresso. It's not enough caffeine to keep you awake at night.

Is tiramisu intoxicating? ›

You can get drunk on tiramisu. I have done it. It takes two portions at least. You drink (I mean eat) the Marsala wine and the rum — and then must be escorted, tenderly, to the bus stop.

Why is tiramisu so good? ›

Tiramisu is a popular dish all over the world because of its harmonious blend of sweet and bitter, creamy and airy flavors. Its adaptability to various tastes and situations contributes to its appeal as well, making it a mainstay for both formal and informal celebrations as well as family get-togethers.

What is the meaning of pick me up? ›

What does pick-me-up mean? A pick-me-up is something that restores a person's energy, improves their mood, or generally lifts their spirits, such as a caffeinated drink or a snack, as in I drink coffee every morning because I need a pick-me-up before work.

Why do Italians eat tiramisu? ›

Although the core ingredients still remain the same, this dish is often tweaked from chef to chef. Tiramisu is also known to have quite an interesting history in Italian brothels. It is believed that the dessert was created inside the brothels of Treviso, to act as a pleasure-seeking aid to clients.

How long should tiramisu sit before eating? ›

The couple writes: "It is so important that you wait at least six hours before serving. In fact, it can be kept refrigerated one to two days and still be delicious." Clearly, tiramisu isn't an instant gratification type of dessert.

Is tiramisu better the longer it sits? ›

Homemade tiramisu lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge.

As it sits, it gets better and better. You can freeze tiramisu for up to 3 months, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different as it thaws.

Why is tiramisu so expensive? ›

Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espresso used in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times).

Does tiramisu mean "take me to heaven"? ›

All the flavour of every gourmet's favourite Italian dessert. “Tiramisu” means “take me to heaven!”: a promise of indulgence that this enchanted, chocolaty Espresso is sure to keep.

What is the original meaning of tiramisu? ›

The word Tiramisù literally means “pick me up”. It comes from the Treviso dialect, “Tireme su”, Italianised into Tiramisù in the latter half of the 20th century. Historical records state that Tiramisù originated in Treviso in 1800.

What is the spiritual meaning of tiramisu? ›

Based on the Acts of the Apostles reading from the Octave Day of Easter, one could say that the holy Eucharist is like tiramisu (which literally means “lift me up”) in the worship and life of a Christian.

What is tiramisu in urban dictionary? ›

Tiramisu is a non-food related term used under two different circumstances. Firstly, it can be used to express your sincerity in any given situation. Usually used when one wishes to convey a true level of genuineness in their actions, words, behaviours without any ill intention or intent to play with others emotions.

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