it's the most wonderful time of the year...

the holiday season has just begun! with Thanksgiving just behind us, Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year are yet to follow. why not celebrate this season with a creamy dish of tiramisu? this yummy Italian dessert is the perfect treat for the holidays. it might seem tedious to make, but it is a no-bake gem which makes it simpler than other desserts. let's get started!

serves 12

dry

2 tsp. instant espresso powder

1 c. organic turbinado cane sugar

2, 3.5 oz. boxes of lady fingers

pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder (per slice)

wet

6 oz. water

6 large egg yolks

2 tbsp. milk

1 1/2 c. heavy cream

8 oz. mascarpone cheese

1 tsp. vanilla extract

how to enjoy this creamy deliciousness:

• bring water to a boil and then pour into small bowl, add espresso powder and stir until the powder dissolves. set aside to cool.

• in double boiler whisk together egg yolks, turbinado cane sugar, and milk. whisk constantly for eight to ten minutes until the mixture is smooth and the yolk mixture turns lighter in color (it is okay if you see the sugar and it is not completely dissolved). set aside to cool and then whisk in mascarpone until creamy and smooth.

• combine heavy cream and vanilla extract in a stand mixer. mix on high until the liquid turns into whipped cream (keep watch: be careful as to not turn the whipped cream into butter!)

• check to make sure the mascarpone mixture is cool, then add whipped cream into the egg mixture. with a silicone spatula, gently fold the cream into the mixture, being careful to not deflate/flatten the cream. once the cream is incorporated, the mixture should be fluffy and pale yellow in color.

• get a 9x9 dish. to assemble the tiramisu, dunk each side of one lady finger in the espresso for one second, repeat for the rest of them until the buttom of the dish is covered with 1 layer of rows. spread half of the cream mixture on top until it is even, then add another layer of espresso dipped lady fingers. place the rest of the cream on top of the second layer, and spread until even. cover dish and refrigerate for two days.

• to serve, slice and plate tiramisu and lightly dust with cocoa powder. enjoy!