When planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two, dessert is a must! An indulgent combination of mascarpone cheese, coffee liqueur, cocoa and ladyfingers, Tiramisu is perfect for special occasions. For an elegant presentation, I serve the Tiramisu in wine goblets. Ladyfingers (spongecake cookies) may be hard to find in grocery stores, so I substitute Walkers Shortbread Cookies. They have a uniquely rich texture and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor, plus they do not get as mushy as ladyfingers in a Tiramisu recipe. Look for Walkers’ signature red plaid packaging in the cookie aisle.

Tiramisu for Two
Makes 2 servings
2 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur
1 tablespoon brewed coffee
8 shortbread cookies, such as Walkers Pure Butter Vanilla Shortbread
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1 container (8 oz.) mascarpone cheese
1 square (1 oz) semi sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– In small bowl stir together coffee liqueur and coffee. Brush both sides of 6 of the shortbread cookies with coffee mixture. Cut each cookie in half.
– In medium bowl beat heavy cream and 2 tablespoons sugar until stiff peaks form.
– In separate medium bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and 1/4-cup sugar. Fold in whipped cream.
– In each of two wine goblets, place 3 cookie halves. Spoon 1/4 of cheese mixture over cookies. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 2 hours so that cookies soften slightly.
– Meanwhile, in small bowl, microwave chocolate on High 40 seconds, then stir until melted. Using a small spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over remaining 2 cookies.
– Just before serving, use a fine sieve to lightly sprinkle each dessert with cocoa. Garnish each dessert with a chocolate-drizzled cookie.
Cathy