Tiramisù: A Very Italian Dessert
When you need a little lift, look no further than a good dose of tiramisù. From the Italian phrase “tira-mi-su,” this delightful concoction of coffee, mascarpone cream, and cocoa literally translates to “pick me up.” As one of the most famous Italian desserts, tiramisù can now be found in restaurants across the globe, and its easy preparation makes it a popular dish to make at home. But what exactly is tiramisù, and where does it come from?
Watch Foodie Sisters in Italy, Benedetta and Valeria, Tell You All About Tiramisù
What is Tiramisù?
The most common way to make tiramisù is with savoiardi or ladyfinger biscuits soaked in strong espresso coffee, sometimes with a splash of liquor such as Marsala wine, amaretto, or rum. These soaked biscuits are layered on the bottom of a dish and topped with a light cream made from eggs, sugar, and mascarpone. A generous sprinkle of cocoa powder finishes the top. However, unlike many traditional Italian recipes, there are no strict rules for tiramisù preparation. There are countless experimental spins on the classic procedure: it can be layered to create more of a cake structure, made in individual portions, or the savoiardi can be substituted with different types of biscuits, cakes, or cookies. Even the coffee element can be replaced with alternative flavorings or fruit.
Where Did Tiramisù Originate?
Several regions of Italy claim to be the birthplace of tiramisù, leading to many conflicting stories. Some say the dish was created in Siena in the 17th century in honor of Grand Duke Cosimo III. Others maintain that it was served to clients of brothels in the northern town of Treviso because the restorative powers of the mixture would help to keep business flowing. Another version sees it created in a town called Tolmezzo in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Despite ongoing debate, the general consensus is that tiramisù was invented in the 1960s at a restaurant called Le Beccherie in Treviso, in the Veneto region. During the 1980s, the popularity of the dish peaked, and the recipe spread throughout Italy and the world, making it a much more modern dish than most would believe.
Learn to Make the Perfect Tiramisù
Join us at any of our cooking classes in Rome to learn how to make this iconic dessert from scratch. Perfect your tiramisù with guidance from our expert chefs and take home the secrets to recreating this beloved treat.
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