Picking the right dish to bring to a potluck can be very tricky. I always want to bring something that not only tastes great, but is also outwardly spectacular. The dish has to be striking enough for people to ask me for the recipe, but accessible enough for the other guests not to think that I went out of my way just to impress them. And the entire time, I have to act cool about the whole thing. It’s seriously such an extremely delicate balancing act!
You know what I’m talking about. Or…do you? …am I a potluck snob?
Regardless, bringing tiramisu will accomplish all of these potluck requirements. Seriously. Can you think of a classier dessert than tiramisu? It has espresso and marscapone and shaved chocolate. This dessert is practically screaming class! A five star dessert that is surprisingly simple to throw together. Honestly, it really did just take minutes to make! Oh! And it’s delicious. All points accomplished! Next stop, dinner party.
Tiramisu (minimally adapted from David Lebovitz)
1 cup prepared espresso, at room temperature
1/4 cup Kahlua, or any coffee flavored liqueur
4 large eggs, separated and at room temperature
pinch of salt
1/2 cup sugar
8 oz. marscapone
14 ladyfingers
barred chocolate (to use to for shaving on top)
1. Mix together the espresso and Kahlua.
2. With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they begin to get stiff. Beat in half of the sugar until stiff. Scrape the egg whites into a small bowl.
3. In the same bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until stiff and light-colored. Mix in the mascarpone until the mixture is smooth.
4. Fold in half of the beaten egg whites, then the remaining half, just until fully incorporated.
5. Place a spoonful of the marscapone mixture on the bottom of a standard loaf pan.
6. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture. Really keep them in there and flip them until they are completely absorbed by the espresso liquid. It will be delicious this way, believe me. Place the ladyfingers in a single layer over the marscapone.
7. Place another spoonful of the marscapone mixture until the ladyfingers are covered. Shave a generous amount of chocolate on top of the marscapone.
8. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and cream.
9. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least for four hours.
Social Kitchen 
February 2, 2011 at 11:06 am
To answer ur question, yes u r a potluck snob. Oh, can I place a request? Like ur a dj. Mascarpone reminded me of my love for marzipan. Mmm somethin w marzipan. That way next time I buy a tub of it, instead of just eating it raw maybe ill actually have something to do w it!!