Simple Tiramisu

Photo Credit: http://www.gastronomersguide.com/

Simple Tiramisu

Original Recipe: http://www.gastronomersguide.com/2008/06/simple-tiramisu.html

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1-1/2 cups brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup coffee liqueur
• 40 store-bought ladyfingers
• 1 cup heavy cream
• cocoa powder
• bittersweet chocolate

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in mascarpone until incorporated.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold in beaten egg whites into mascarpone mixture.
3. In a small bowl combine coffee and coffee liqueur. Dip ladyfingers into coffee-liqueur mixture and lay in rows in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream on top. Make one more layer of ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
4. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat heavy cream and tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream on top.
5. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with grated and/or shaved bittersweet chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Yield: 10 to 12 slices.

Spinach Pesto (aka Spanakopita Pesto)

Photo Credit: http://www.closetcooking.com

Spinach Pesto (aka Spanakopita Pesto)

Original Recipe: http://www.closetcooking.com/2010/05/spinach-pesto-aka-spanakopita-pesto.html

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baby spinach (packed)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (chopped, I used a combination of parsley, dill and mint)
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons walnuts (toasted)
• 1/4 cup feta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lemon (juice and zest)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Place everything into a food processor and blend.