Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a heavenly Italian dessert typically made from eggs, sugar, mascarpone, Marsala wine, ladyfingers and cocoa. The Italian word tiramisu means "pick-me-up".

In the United States, the luscious dessert has become very popular in most upscale restaurants - not just Italian eateries. This recipe provides a little twist on the standard tiramisu recipe, as it adds cherries and a little bit of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 5 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pound mascarpone
• 8 ounces espresso-strength coffee
• 3 ounces Marsala wine (or brandy)
• 24 ladyfingers
• 8 ounces black cherries from a jar (drained slightly)
• Cocoa powder
• Grated chocolate
• 1/4 cup almonds (dry roasted/slivered)

Whisk together egg yolks, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl.

Add the mascarpone a little at a time and whisk to combine thoroughly.

In a separate bowl, pour coffee and Marsala.

Dip a ladyfinger into the coffee mixture until soaked, but not falling apart.

Press the ladyfinger into bottom of sundae glass.

Repeat, using six ladyfingers to line the bottom of the glass.

Repeat process for three more glasses (four total).

Spoon a layer of cherries into each glass on top of ladyfingers.

Add a thick layer of mascarpone mixture on top of the cherries.

Repeat with another layer of cherries and follow with a final layer of mascarpone mixture.

Smooth tops of desserts with a spoon.

Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, grated chocolate and almonds, if desired.

Chill for 2-3 hours.

Serves four.

Ladyfingers, which are known in Italy as savoiardi, are sweet, fairly dry, finger-shaped sponge cakes. Many grocery stores in the United States carry ladyfingers in their bakery section or cookie aisle.

Mascarpone cannot always be found at your neighborhood chain grocery store. Make an effort to ask for it at gourmet markets and Italian grocers in your city.

Mascarpone is very rich cow's milk cheese made with double or triple cream. Nothing beats the rich, creamy taste of actual mascarpone. However if you can't find it, you can make a substitute. When using any of the alternative combinations, makes sure to blend the ingredients in a food processor until the mixture becomes very creamy.

Any of the following can be substituted into this Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu recipe:

1 pound mascarpone = 8 ounces cream cheese, 4 ounces sour cream and 1/4 cup cream

1 pound mascarpone = 1/2 pound ricotta cheese and 1 cup heavy cream

1 pound mascarpone = 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup cream

Maybe you want tiramisu but you are watching your calorie and fat intake. If that's the case and you can't afford the indulgence of this Cherry Chocolate Tiramisu recipe, you can opt to make a low-fat version.

To make a lighter version of tiramisu, you can use sifted powdered sugar instead of standard sugar. You can also substitute 1/2 pound fat free cream cheese and 8 ounces fat free or light sour cream in place of the mascarpone.

The light recipe will not be as rich or creamy as the original, but you will save a little bit of calories and fat.