Tuesday 28 December 2010

Christmas feasting (part 3 - dessert)


Without further ado - the final course of my Christmas feast. Because Paul isn't a dessert lover, I decided to do a Christmassy version of one of the desserts he will eat - the tiramisu. Plus tiramisu is pretty much trifle, and for whatever reason trifles are a big part of a British Christmas. I reckon this is the best chocolate dessert I have ever, ever made. It's very rich, not very sweet and just gorgeous. It was so good that I am delighted I purchased a trifle bowl just for this occasion.

Chocolate chestnut tiramisu (serves about 8-10)

1 packet savoiardi biscuits (prob won't need all of them)
1 cup very strong coffee
1/4 cup dry marsala
180g very good dark chocolate
50ml marsala (extra)
3tbs caster sugar
seeds from 1 vanilla pod
2 eggs, separated
250g mascarpone
1 can (435g) unsweetened chestnut puree
200ml double cream
chocolate & marrons glace for garnishing

Mix the cooled coffee and marsala. Place a layer of savoiardi biscuits in the bottom of a trifle dish and pour half of the coffee mixture over it in an even layer.

In a glass bowl, mix the broken chocolate, sugar, extra marsala and vanilla. Place over a saucepan of simmering water, and beat until the chocolate is just melted, then add the eggyolks and whisk until it forms a frothy mousse. Remove from the heat & fold through the mascarpone and chestnut puree.

In a clean bowl, whisk the eggwhites to soft peaks. In two batches, fold the eggwhites through the chocolate mixture, until just combined, then pour half the moussey chocolate mixture over the layer of savoiardi in the trifle bowl.

Place another layer of savoiardi gently over the chocolate mixture, and sprinkle with more of the coffee and marsala mixture. You may not need all of it to give them a good coating.

Pour the rest of the chocolate mixture over the second layer of savoiardi.

Whisk the cream to soft peaks, and spread over the chocolate mixture. Garnish with grated chocolate and pieces of marrons glace.

Cover with cling film and set aside in a cool place for a couple of hours before serving.

11 comments:

Suelle said...

What a delicious end to the meal!

Bettina Douglas said...

that is the best looking trifle ever! Please send leftovers this way.

Alicia Foodycat said...

Suelle - it was (and is) delicious. The chocolate layers set to a lovely light mousse.

Mother - you are welcome to them! So much food!

Mary Bergfeld said...

I can't think of a better way to end a meal. It looks elegant and delicious. I hope you had a marvelous Christmas and can enjoy the remainder of the holiday. Blessings...Mary

kat said...

What a beautiful dessert & so Christmasy with the chestnut

Alicia Foodycat said...

Mary - thank you so much! And to you.

Kat - Thanks! I don't do a lot of chocolate desserts, but this one was definitely worthwhile.

Deb in Hawaii said...

What's not to like with this one?! It looks perfectly creamy, chocolaty and delicious. ;-)

Jude said...

Gorgeous. Nice bowl!

grace said...

sometimes i find myself rushing through whatever awesome main course is being served just to get to dessert--i love it. i honestly haven't even eaten chestnuts in any form, but i suspect i'd like this trifle very much. happy new year!

Alicia Foodycat said...

Deb - creamy & chocolatey OH YEAH!

Jude - thanks! Amazon.

Grace - The chestnut isn't a strong presence, but it is there.

azélias kitchen said...

I love that bowl...saw it somewhere recently.

Made me laugh when you said OH likes tiramisu...that's my OH favourite! If I ever ask what do you me to make you he'll always say tiramisu!

Looks delicious.

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