Ricetta de Tiramisù Tradizionale

A few months ago, to the envy of my friends and fellow foodies alike, I instagramed a picture of the delicious tiramisu my Italian neighbor had baked for us. The mascarpone was so light and airy. The taste of coffee, coco, and the hint of rum, was amazing, heaven! I couldn't get enough of it.

Luckily, she was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and now I am sharing it here, with you all. In ten easy steps!  

This recipe will make enough for about 6 people. Hey, Italians like to be generous!

PREP: Brew a batch of espresso or strong coffee, about 2 cups. After you brew it, let it sit out until it is at room temp or just below. 

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups of cold espresso or strong coffee

3 Eggs** separated

2 tsp of rum*

1/2 cup of sugar

1 lb. of Mascarpone Cheese

10 oz of ladyfingers

Cocoa powder

Note: Make sure the espresso is cool. Using hot espresso or hot coffee will dissolve the ladyfingers and/or cause you to burn your fingers. Ouch!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take the eggs yokes* and begin beating them until they are foamy.

2. Add the sugar and rum** into the egg yokes. Beat again.

3. In another bowl, begin beating the egg whites**.

4. Take the mascarpone cheese and add it into the egg white mixture, folding it in.

5. Mix the egg yoke & sugar mixture in with the mascarpone cheese.

6. Taking the cold brewed espresso/coffee, you want to start dipping each, individual, ladyfinger in. 

Tip: Don't leave it soaking in there for more than a couple of seconds or else you will have a very soggy tiramisu.

7. Start placing each of the soaked ladyfingers, into a pan or serving dish.

8. Take the mascarpone mixture and layer it on top of the first layer of your, already coffee soaked ladyfingers.

9. Repeat.

10. Refrigerate the tiramisu overnight or, if you can't wait that long to sink your teeth in, refrigerate for at least 6 hours! Tiramisu is like wine: the longer you wait, the better!

Lastly, before serving, don't forget to sprinkle the cocoa powder on top. It's best to do this when the tiramisu has already firmed in the refrigerator.

*substitute the egg yokes and egg whites for heavy whipping cream.

**substitute rum for rum extract.

 Buon appetito!

xx

Flying with a Toddler

My husband's line of work requires us to travel...A LOT. Not the most exciting of things when you have a 3 year old to beg and plead with, while doing so. Like most toddlers, my son can't stay still for long periods of time, let alone a 17 hour flight from VCE to SFO. Since we're getting ready to head back home, for my one of my dearest of friend's wedding this summer, I thought I would share a few tips that have made travel more comfortable for my toddler while also saving my sanity.

1. SNACKS lots and lots of snacks! Most airliners don't serve meals with less then 6 hours of flight time. On longer flights airliners offer a meal or two to passengers, but during the in between time it's good to have some of your toddlers favorite snacks in hand.

2. iPad or LeapPad Get an iPad! It will save your life! We have a first generation iPad for our son. We downloaded tons of movies and kid friendly games for him. Note that the first generation iPads do not go further than the iOS 5.3 update. Which means you will not have a wide range of game apps to choose from since most game apps require a higher update to download. Another option could be a LeapPad which we also have for him. Download games from the leapfrog connect app and give it to your child when you note that they are starting to become restless on board. Of course be mindful of others around and get some ear phones for them. If you don't have a pair, most airliners carry them for a price, on domestic flights. But they do tend to be complimentary on international flights.

3. FAVORITE BLANKET AND/OR FAVORITE TOY Children tend to look at these items as security items that make them feel safe. This could be their favorite nap time blanket if they have one. Airports and planes them selves tend to be a little chilly, so a blanket is perfect to keep your little warm for the trip.
A FAVORITE CUDDLE BUDDY Ultimately I know I'm William's favorite cuddle buddy, but that tends to change when we travel. So we make sure to bring along his Brave bear he loves so much.

4. ACTIVITIES Books and puzzles will keep toddlers busy. If your toddler does ok with activity books and crayons, bring some along too. My son will draw and everything and anything. So we don't pack them.

5. PATIENCE I know there are some parents who are gifted with all the patience in the world. My husband happens to be one of those people and I love him for that. Unfortunately, for him, I am not. Quiet frankly I don't think my son is either, but it is something I have always tried to work on and have continued to better myself in.

By now you may have noticed that I didn't mention a stroller on my list. Here's the thing about strollers: While I do think they really can be life savors at keeping your little from running off. I think it is also a great idea to have your toddlers walk around and expel some energy, before the flight boards. My son is very energetic so I know while a stroller would be great for us, I'd rather take him for a little run walk around the airport. If once on the plane he/she begins to get restless and nothing seems to be working: I encourage you to take your toddler for a little stroll around the aisle of the plane when allowed.

So there you have it! I hope these tips help, but in the end you know your little better than anyone else. So pack accordingly and don't forget to also pack any meds your littles may need. Airports and planes are filled with lots of icky germs.

Safe travels!

DIY: Disney Autograph Book

For William's 1st birthday, we traveled back home, to California, to celebrate with our loved ones. We had a Toy Story themed birthday party for him. I had used his cake smash photos for thank you cards and for a Shutterfly photo book, that I had intended for guest to write a special birthday message to Will, but sadly I forgot all about it! I thought his poor little book was doomed, until I realized that we could use it as a Disney autography book!

We were stopping at Disneyland, for a few days, before heading back to Colorado, so it was the perfect save! I think it is a great alternative to the autograph books that you can buy at the park. Most are only big enough for a character or two to sign on a single page, but not much room for photos.

The Shutterfly book was 8x8, hardcover, had plenty of room for dozens of signatures, and already had pictures printed on every other page. The best part? Totally customizable! Plus I had gotten it for free and paid only shipping. Shutterfly frequently offers great deals on their photo books, making them cheaper than the actual Disney autograph books. When we passed it around to the characters, many gave us a sign of approval. We even made Pluto blush and clap at the sight of Will dressed up as Woody and smashing a hand full of cake into his mouth. I will definitely be doing this again.