Recipe: Golden Rum Molasses Apple Compote

This perfect fall dessert recipe makes a warm, light, end to an autumn evening meal, filled with the fragrances of fall. Apples and spices pair with rum and butter to to bring all the flavors of the season to your plate. Try this one with fresh apples from the farmer's market, or pick them yourself!

Golden Rum Molasses Apple Compote

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp light rum
3 apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp molasses
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp allspice
dash of grated fresh nutmeg
pinch of kosher salt

Directions:

• Put the ingredients in a large saucepan; stir to combine.
• Place saucepan on low heat, set the pan cover on, tipping slightly to allow some steam to escape.
• Simmer very slowly for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring a few times while cooking.
• Serve over rich vanilla ice cream in small dessert bowls or in the bowl with a dollop of whipped cream.

Creating A Beach-Style Memorial Day Picnic

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for most people, and it's a great time to go to the beach for a picnic. But even if sand, surf, and sun are on your mind, but you can't easily get to the beach this Memorial Day weekend, you can still enjoy the feeling of being there. Why not have a beach-style picnic, complete with food, props, and music to make it seem like you're spending a day with “beach blanket” movie favorites Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello?  Let's take a look at how to spend a day at the beach when water is nowhere to be found:

Create the Beach

Cover of Beach Party

Setting the mood for a beach-style picnic starts with the props.  A day at the beach includes beach chairs, umbrellas, big blankets, beach balls, towels, beach bags, beach pails and shovels, hats, coolers, and music.  A little background music featuring the Beach Boys or other surfin' music really sets the mood.  If you have boogie-boards or surfboards, all the better!  Even if there's not a wave in sight, surfboards make great serving tables and backdrops.

An added feature that's great fun is sand, of course.  Most any building supply house offers clean sand for sale.  Just one bag will provide enough to fill quite a few beach pails.  Stick the little shovels in and set them all around.  Sifting sand through your fingers (or toes) is a great way to relax and enjoy the 'beach.' 

If you have a few seashells sitting around, throw those around the tables and in the pails for more authenticity.  Use more sand in metal buckets to support an assortment of candles.  Use candles in shades of blues, greens, and tans to replicate the colors of the sea and sand.

For a real element of water, a small kiddie pool is the perfect addition to your backyard or park beach party.  All you need is something to splash, even if it's just to dip your feet or hands in.  Cover the bottom of the pool in sand if you're feeling especially energetic.  Pull up your beach chairs, stick your feet in, and you have an instant beach... almost!

Some people's idea of the perfect day at the beach is just sitting under the umbrella sipping a cool drink all day long.  Other people like to stay active.  Providing something to do during your beach-style picnic is relatively simple.  If you are hosting the picnic in your backyard, you already know what you have for fun and games.  Frisbees, badminton, and volleyball are obvious beach games.  A park may offer other distractions like horseshoes and jungle gyms, or even walking trails.  Take advantage of what you have, then gather for refreshments under the umbrellas to cool off.

Feed the Beach Bums

A day at the beach, even the pseudo-beach, can really work up an appetite.  Planning a beach style picnic when you're not going to the beach can actually work to your advantage.  Public beaches don't often allow cooking on the beach.  However, many park facilities, or your own backyard, of course, will offer grilling or even a campfire spot.  With these options, you can  enjoy standard beach-style food for your Memorial Day picnic, like burgers, hot dogs, and, of course, marshmallows and S'mores.

Along with campfire food, you want to include delicious options for foods that satisfy the beach-goer's appetite.  Many folks aim for the simple things when they're deciding on what to bring in their beach coolers.  Finger foods, pre-made salads, sandwiches, and the like are favorites for beach time food.  But, that doesn't mean you can't be a little creative with a few culinary surprises for your hungry guests.

For instance, you could marinate some vegetables in advance in a light dressing for an appetizer. Homemade dips, cold cocktail shrimp, and pate could be served with hearty crackers or pita bread. Try thin-sliced turkey with fresh vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and tomatoes, wrapped inside Armenian flatbread similar to soft tortilla wraps for a filling dish that's easy to eat, and delicious, too.

A fruit salad can provide ample opportunities for creativity, but you want to think outside apples and oranges. Include nectarines, blueberries, and blackberries with a little fresh ginger and a squeeze of lime juice for a simple yet splendidly refreshing treat.  Cut up a real watermelon with seeds for a genuine seed-spitting contest (along with wonderful refreshment) and you've got a real live beach party.

Meyer lemonade with fresh strawberries and ginger ale (Photo credit: chotda)

An Oasis of Drinks

Summer beach picnics call for plenty of iced tea with fresh mint.  You could also bring freshly squeezed lemonade which evokes memories of long ago... times spent relaxing in chairs lined up to enjoy the expanse of water and the much anticipated sunset.  Go ahead and freeze the lemonade in freezer bags, then set in coolers if you are traveling.  By the time you get to your destination, they will thaw and be ready to enjoy.  The added advantage is the frozen bags of lemonade add chilling to the cooler for your foods.

Of course, depending on the ages and preferences of guests at your beach picnic, you may enjoy sodas or fruit mix drinks as well as spirits like beachy mixed drink favorites for grownups. Remember, you want to create an illusion of sun, surf, and sand, so whatever beverages come to mind are perfect.  If you're thinking of mixed drinks of any kind, freezing the fruit drink beforehand in freezer bags, then mixing with soda or spirits upon arrival gives you infinite options for beverages for young and young-at-heart alike.

Dig Those Crazy Desserts

Keep sweet treats light and breezy, just like a day at the beach.  Try a simple parfait made with yogurt, granola, and the fruit of your choice. Or, try a lighter dessert bread or crumb cake instead of the standard fudge brownies, pies, or gelatin molds found at most picnics.

If frozen treats are part of your beach time memories, go ahead and freeze popsicles or ice cream in any form you like.  Ice cream should be frozen quite a bit harder than you would normally eat it before transporting.  Keep them on the bottom of the cooler, piling your salads or sandwiches on top. For extra protection, wrap them in several thicknesses of newspaper.  Depending on the heat, your frozen treats should stay relatively solid for some time.

Another easy trick for a cold dessert at a beach picnic, whether you're at the beach or doing a faux-beach picnic, is to freeze fruit in the can.  A good choice is canned pineapple or peaches.  Transport the frozen cans (another advantage is they serve as 'ice' in coolers) to the picnic spot.  When ready to serve, open the can and push the semi-frozen or “slushie” fruit out of the can and serve in a paper funnel cup, with a spoon and a straw.  You can pour in a little fizzy clear Cola or Ginger Ale for a real summertime treat.

Head to Toe to the Beach We Go

No matter what you include as a backdrop for your special beach party picnic, it's still the clothes that bring the whole thing together.  Yes, a swimsuit, sunglasses, sarong, sandals, and big floppy hat just scream BEACH!  So be sure you set the mood first with your style. 

Loose flowing garments are just fine if swimwear is not suitable.  Choose caftans or other flowing garments of lightweight gauzy fabrics or linen.  Dig around in your closets to find loose fitting lightweight shirts or pants of any kind. You're going to set the “scene” for your guests and have a lot of fun in the doing.

As you can see, the idea for a beach-style picnic is to be informal and breezy with the setting, table, music, food, drinks, and even the clothing, and it's perfect for a Memorial Day Party!  The success of a beach-style picnic depends on your ability to sway like an ocean breeze and let the mood capture your guests.  Enjoy the rhythm of the islands... and each other this Memorial Day!

Discover Sweet & Savory Surprises with Unusual Pumpkin Recipes

If there was ever a vegetable that evokes the feeling of Autumn, it's the pumpkin. They are everywhere the minute summer starts to fade and fall approaches. No matter where you turn, there is a pumpkin with a candle inside of it, fields of pumpkins to be chosen, piles of pumpkins, people dressed as pumpkins, and even trash bags for your leaves that mimic pumpkins. But of all the pumpkin-related things out there during the fall, my favorite pumpkin is the one on the dinner table.

Unfortunately, when pumpkin is delivered to the table in the same way over and over again, it can result in what I like to call 'pumpkin burnout.'  Just like with any food fatigue or burnout, it isn't the fault of the food, but the way the food is delivered.  When was the last time your pumpkin pie brought exclamations of delight to the family dinner table?  Have your pumpkin muffins and pumpkin bread been met with a less than enthusiastic welcome?

It's time to get creative and avoid 'pumpkin burnout' this fall.  Let's switch things up a bit and create some sweet and savory surprises with this healthy super food.

Dessert

Pumpkin Marble Cheesecake (Photo credit: texascooking)

A plate of pumpkin cookies is a surprising sweet treat after dinner.  Just looking at them, your guests may not be able to tell what exactly is on the plate.  But, they will soon find out when they bite into this scrumptious flavor favorite.  Pumpkin pie won't even be missed when you serve up a variety of desserts like pumpkin dip with ginger cookies, pumpkin mousse, pumpkin torte, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin cheesecake, or even a pumpkin souffle.

You can make pumpkin chips by roasting thin pieces of a sugar pumpkin, sprinkle them with cinnamon, and serve with a cream cheese dip flavored with nutmeg and allspice and other pumpkin pie flavors.  And don't forget pumpkin fudge.  With all these surprising options to pumpkin pie, you can't possibly suffer from pumpkin burnout!

Casseroles

When you think about serving pumpkin in something other than a dessert, a casserole comes to mind almost immediately.  And when you're thinking about casseroles, you should think about Kürbisauflauf. Yes, I know it is a mouth full, but this German pumpkin casserole is something that will definitely not contribute to any kind of pumpkin burnout.  This casserole is made with potatoes, apples, breadcrumbs, and pumpkin as the main ingredients and usually served with fruit compote.

Even though this is a sweetened casserole, it is not overly sweet. You add sugar if you want, but much of the sweetness comes naturally from the apples and raisins, if added.  Also, you are using pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, so the spices are not there.  Pumpkin does not taste like pumpkin pie until you add the spices.  In this German casserole favorite, you'll be tasting more of the apple and enjoying the moistness of the pumpkin.

Breakfast

You are probably familiar with pumpkin muffins. But we're going to skip the familiar and go with something you may not have tried yet.  Pumpkin is a wonderful ingredient to add to pancakes or waffles. Pumpkin offers moisture as well as lots of fiber for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.  You may want to add pumpkin to your favorite yogurt and granola parfait for breakfast.

If doughnuts are your favorite breakfast treat, why not add pumpkin?  It is a simple matter of combining your doughnut ingredients with pumpkin pie filling and cooking them up as you normally would. That plate of doughnuts all of a sudden is very seasonal and festive.  Is a hot bowl of oatmeal your go-to breakfast?  Why not perk it up with some cooked diced pumpkin!  Add your favorite spices, some raisins, and you have a hot breakfast that kicks the nutrition level up a notch or two.

Pumpkin Burger (Photo credit: The Facey Family)

Savory

If sweet isn't your thing, you may want to turn your sights on savory flavors.  Remember, pumpkin puree has very little flavor of its own.  For that reason, pumpkin is the perfect vehicle for other flavors.  And, because pumpkin is packed with nutritional fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, it's a great choice for healthy diets, as well.  Pumpkin puree, either homemade or canned, can be mixed with other pureed root crops like rutabaga, turnips, carrots, potatoes, or parsnips, to make hearty soups.  For the savory twist, fry up smokey bacon with onion, leeks, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Roast diced pumpkin with other fall vegetables, season with cumin, cayenne pepper, and other savory seasonings to create a side dish suitable for beef, pork, or chicken.  Layer sliced pumpkin, onions, potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes with spicy Italian sausage to make a baked dish that's sure to please your hungry family, and without a bit of pumpkin burnout.  Once you get beyond thinking of pumpkin as only a sweet dessert, you will easily move your pumpkin from the sweet side of the pantry to the savory side.

Drinks

Pumpkin Munchikhan Cocktail (Photo credit: waferboard)

Pumpkin drinks are an instantaneous hit anywhere they are served. Some pumpkin beverages are simply pumpkin desserts cleverly disguised as a drink.  Pumpkin pie smoothies and pumpkin cheesecake shakes are two that come to mind.  Whipping up these drinks is as simple as getting out your blender and making your favorite dessert with a little added milk or ice cream.  Of course, pumpkin pie hot chocolate is another favorite.

You can even go the adult beverage route with many recipes that combine pumpkin puree or pumpkin liqueurs.  Some drinks simply play on the flavors we associate with pumpkin pie; the spices, that is.  But others do actually call for combining pumpkin pie filling with ingredients like Kaluha or rum, and whipping it all up into a frothy drink topped with whipped cream.  This would be a sort of dessert drink with a pumpkin twist.  Certainly, these drinks won't lead to pumpkin burnout!

Whether you're looking for new recipes to serve pumpkin in sweet ways, or you're trying to steer your pumpkin away from sweet and into savory, all it takes is a bit of creativity.  Experiment with a variety of flavors, both savory and sweet, to bring out the very best of everything pumpkin has to offer.  Remember, pumpkin does not taste like pumpkin pie on its own.  That means, you can start fresh!  Surprise your family and your guests with something new this fall – serve dishes that will show a new side of pumpkin.

Better Than Cheescake Factory: Decadent Desserts Get A Healthier Makeover

If you want a cheesecake at least as good as the one your grandmother used to make, a trip to the Cheesecake Factory may be in order. With hundreds of fantastic desserts on the menu, your taste buds will soon be dancing merrily about. But, if eating healthier and weight loss are your goals this year, why not find an alternative. Yes, you can have your cake and eat healthy, too. Plan ahead, take a few minutes, and create a healthier alternative in your own kitchen - with a few little tweaks, you can make your own versions taste just as good, but they'll be a lot better for you!

Carrot Cake

Carrot cake in pan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The average carrot cake has almost 1500 calories per slice. Yes, you read right. More than half of the daily intake of calories for an adult male football player in one delectable slice of what sounds like a healthy dessert! There has got to be a way to enjoy this moist, delicious dessert without adding all those calories to your day's intake.

To start with, a simple substitution of buttermilk can make a world of difference. Rather than adding oil when making the cake as it calls for in the recipe, you can substitute buttermilk. Buttermilk sounds fattening but it actually has much less fat and calories than oil.  In fact, buttermilk even has less fat and calories than regular whole milk which makes it a healthier choice for the icing, too - and it will add a richer, fuller flavor at the same time. You'll end up with a moist cake and tasty frosting with fewer calories and fat. So, yes, this is one classic cake you can enjoy with less guilt if you tweak the recipe and make it at home.

Warm Apple Crisp

What about that wonderful warm apple crisp topped with creamy rich vanilla ice cream?  Of course, substituting frozen vanilla yogurt is the most obvious substitution for a healthier dessert (although watch out for nasty substitutions which turn up in lowfat ice cream substitutes, such as chemical sweeteners and propylene glycol - aka antifreeze), but there is something else to consider. The biggest culprit of added calories is the apple crisp itself. This healthy-sounding dessert has almost three times as many calories and grams of sugar than that topping of real ice cream.  So we want to start from the bottom up when talking about making a healthier alternative to this tasty dessert.

apple crisp (Photo credit: elana's pantry)

To put the skinny on your apple crisp, start by eliminating that can of apple pie filling. Instead, simply cut up fresh ripe apples. If that sounds like too much work, an apple cutter that slices the apple into wedges in one motion would be just the ticket.  They can be found in many stores and are very inexpensive. For an even tastier creation, choose a variety of apples. You'll find different tastes and textures in different apples.  And, using a sweeter apple will allow you to reduce the sugar in your recipe even more. There's nothing better than homemade from scratch apple crisp - even the Cheesecake Factory's version can't stack up!

Cheesecake

In order to keep your cheesecake on the healthier side at home, try using low-fat cream cheese, and make your own crust from graham crackers. Low-fat cream cheese is one of the few reduced fat items which actually taste as good as the full-fat version. In fact, I actually like it (Neufchatel) better, because it's softer, so it's a bit easier to work with. You also don't need nearly as much sugar in cheesecake as many recipes call for. Cutting down some of the sugar will in many cases actually make it taste better - not to mention much better for you. Being able to control your ingredients is the biggest way to manage your healthy diet when it comes to desserts.

Just because you want to eat healthier doesn't mean you have to skip out on desserts all together. You can have the best experience possible by taking the time and experimenting to find what works best for you and your health goals. Whether it is carrot cake, warm apple crisp, or the all-time favorite classic cheesecake, when you use the proper ingredients and make it yourself, you can enjoy these desserts without ruining your healthy diet. You may even find these newer versions of the classic desserts actually taste better!

Summer Recipe: Grilled Peaches with Pecans

Create a surprise treat on the grill this summer with this amazing summer dessert. This takes fruit to a whole new level! Sweet ripe peaches enhanced with brown sugar, over ice cream and topped with pecans - you really can't get much better than that....  Plus it's a really fast and easy dessert if you've already got the grill fired up. Impress folks at your next barbecue with this innovative yet easy recipe. For an adult twist, try adding a splash of brandy instead of the vanilla.

Grilled Peaches with Pecans
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

4 peaches (ripe, but not mushy), cut in half and pit removed
1 tsp vanilla extract
5 tbsp soft brown sugar (you can use less if the peaches are very sweet)
Large handful of chopped pecans
Frozen low-fat vanilla yogurt - enough for 4 servings

Instructions:

1. Place the peaches into a bowl and add the sugar and drizzle with the vanilla extract. Toss to coat lightly. Set aside and allow to soak up the flavors for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat a grill to medium-high and grill the peach halves for about 5 - 8 minutes, then turn over and grill for a further 2 - 3 minutes. There should be grill marks on the peaches. 
3. Divide into 4 dishes and serve immediately with frozen yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

Great 4th of July Recipe Ideas

Happy Birthday America!

If you're a little short on recipes for today's festivities, check out some of these tasty 4th of July suggestions - from side dishes to desserts, salads to ice cream, burgers to buns, there are lots of great, delicious, and healthy from-scratch options to inspire you:


Image via WikipediaFourth of July Recipe Roundup | 52 Kitchen Adventures
A list of recipes perfect for the 4th of July. Side dishes, grilling entrees, and desserts for a BBQ or other party. Vegetarian options included.
Publish Date: 07/01/2011 14:00
http://www.52kitchenadventures.com/2011/07/01/fourth-of-july-recipe-roundup/

Gluten Free Fourth of July Recipes | Elana's Pantry
For our July 4th celebration this year I will be serving some of my favorite gluten free recipes (pictured above/listed below). We will have a.
Publish Date: 06/30/2011 20:25
http://www.elanaspantry.com/gluten-free-fourth-of-july-recipes/

Happy and Healthy 4th of July Recipes
Our plans for the 4th are still brewing. Meanwhile, I thought I would share a few recipes that are fun to share and great for celebrations. Persian Watermelon Rose Salad Floral water is amazing with watermelon.
Publish Date: 07/01/2011 13:04
http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2011/07/happy-and-healthy-4th-of-july-recipes.html

The Thrifty Deafies: 4th of July Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Buns
4th of July Recipe: HAMBURGER BUNS! Ingredients: 1 cup milk 1/2 cup water half stick of butter 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 (.25 oz) package instant yeast 1 tablespoons white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ...
Publish Date: 07/02/2011 17:05
http://thethriftydeafies.blogspot.com/2011/07/4th-of-july-recipe-homemade-hamburger.html

Cooking Light for Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a special holiday for Americans. We celebrate this day to honor those before who have served their country and those who serve today. Brave men and women have dedicated their lives to the service of our great nation, some of them at the cost of those lives. For this reason it is important that we dedicate one day each year to remember and honor their sacrifices. One way we celebrate as Image via WikipediaAmericans is by gathering together with friends and family and having picnics, barbecues, and bonfires to commemorate those who now serve, those who have served in the past, and countless others that we will never know.

The downside to our Memorial Day celebrations is a menu that lingers with us in the form of calories well beyond the festivities of the day. If you're looking for a great way to enjoy the day without feeling deprived and still avoid some of the heavy hitting calories that we consume far too many of on a normal Memorial Day there is help to be had. Keep reading to discover some excellent methods for cutting calories from your Memorial Day feasts.

1. Grill your chicken instead of frying it. Fried chicken has for a very long time been a favorite among those celebrating almost any occasion - particularly in the south. However, this packs on unwanted calories that would be better spent on dessert rather than the main course. Another thing you can do is to skip the sauce. By this, I mean barbecue sauce. There are plenty of great rubs that Image via Wikipediacan be used on your beef, pork, and chicken that pack a powerful punch when it comes to taste and leave off those pesky calories that sugar filled barbecue sauces add to your favorite dishes.

2. Have salad as a side. In addition to salad as a healthy side option, include fresh cut up vegetables and low fat dressing as a dip for sides as well as appetizers. By having these available for your guests you may be surprised to discover that others appreciate the healthy options just as much as you do. Even cooked vegetables that aren't dripping in cheese sauce, butter, or other types of fats provide a better option than high carb, high fat sides such as macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and mashed potatoes.

3. Have fruit on hand to help diminish the craving for sweets. While I would not dream of completely depriving you of dessert, I recommend two steps to help make the fight against fat a more survivable contest of wills. First, have at least one sugar-free dessert option available for those that are dieting, and offer fruits. By combining the healthier sweet treat of fruit with a delicious sugar free dessert in a smaller portion you are doubling the health benefits. One popular item Image via WikipediaI have seen lately in grocery stores is red & blue berry bowls - strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are seasonal treats that go right along with the holiday colors!

Finally, homemade ice cream has for a long time been a favorite family tradition for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. You do not have to say no to all the good things in life even if you are trying to watch what you eat. By eliminating the empty calories many of us consume in sugary drinks, and following the steps above you just might find that ice cream is a delicious option for you after all without completely blowing the good work you've done. (For a special red, white, & blue treat, try some berries - from the tip above - over your ice cream!) Just remember that moderation is the key.

If you allow yourself a taste of the really good stuff along the way you will be much less likely to fail in your healthier living efforts. In addition to watching the calories you put into your body on Memorial Day be sure to take stock of the calories you burn. Go for a walk, take a hike, pick up a game of flag football with the family, or dance with the little ones in the afternoon. Consistent efforts to burn more calories while consuming less will net the greatest results whether it is a holiday or not.

And most of all, remember what we are celebrating for, and enjoy the company of your loved ones!

Tiramisu - The Classic Italian Dessert

I could literally spend a month blogging just about Italian food, but I want to cover other cuisines as well, so I'll move on....for now....  :-)

But a discussion of Italian food would not be complete without dessert! Here is some info on the most classic and favorite of Italian desserts, as well as a video and recipe.

Image via WikipediaToday Tiramisu is the most popular of Italian food desserts.  It graces the menu of nearly every Italian food restaurant.  However, its rise to fame has been meteoric; it wasn't even invented until the 1970's in the Veneto region of Italy.  It didn't even gain widespread popularity until the early 1990's.  It is a unique blend of ingredients that separately seem to not go together at all.  However, when correctly blended together they form one of the treasures of Italian food.

Image via WikipediaThe first ingredient is Mascarpone cheese.  This cheese has very deep roots in Italian food.  It was made as far back as the 13th century in the region of Lombardy.  This cheese is concentrated milk cream and has a very high fat content, getting up to seventy-five percent.  It is a smooth and creamy cheese.  Traditionally it has been considered to be more of a winter dish and therefore shows up in more of the seasonal Italian food dishes.  This is mainly because of its high calories and the fact that when it was first produced there was no refrigeration and this delicate cheese does not keep well in hot temperatures.  Like many other Italian foods, the best Mascarpone cheese comes directly from Italy.  However, it you're an Italian food lover making Tiramisu at home, there are plenty of makers of Mascarpone cheese in America.

The next ingredient is Zabaglione cream.  This is a true classic Italian dessert.  It hails from the world renowned kitchens of Venice.  When it originally became a popular Italian food dessert it was made with yolks, honey, and a sweet Cyprus wine.  However, today the cream has taken on a new flavor.  To begin with sugar is substituted for the original honey.  The most stated difference in taste though, comes from the use of Marsala wine instead of the sweet Cyprus wine.  This cream can be made from home and is easier to make than most Italian food chefs let on.

The third ingredient is the most distinctive factor of Tiramisu, espresso.  This shot of caffeine is where the dessert gets its name, which means "pick me up".  This is a coffee that is true to Italian food and is much stronger than American coffee.  Espresso is the most important coffee in Italian food and can be seen following many Italian meals. 

The fourth and final ingredient is Ladyfingers.  These popular cookies originated in Italy and have made numerous appearances in not only Italian food, but in many other national cuisines.  These cookies are remarkably light due to the fact that the dough with which they are made is rich with whipped egg white.  They are immensely popular and one of the most appreciated Italian food desserts in Italy.

These four ingredients blended together just right and topped off with chocolate make an Italian food dessert that is as popular as the individual ingredients.  Make sure when you prepare this at home that you take great care in choosing the ingredients, it will really make a difference in the quality of Tiramisu.

Here is a short video showing how easy it can be to make your own Tiramisu (don't be scared - instructions are also given in English):

Tiramisù, Italian original recipe
Tiramisù Recipe. The world's most famous Italian recipe. Recipe, photos and instructions in Italian ricette.giallozafferano.it . Other recipes www.giallozafferano.it

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