Tiramisu

Tiramisu is an Italian dessert whose name translates to "pick me up". That's pretty appropriate since it involves espresso! I made my own version of it for our church's ladies' meeting last night and it was a big hit. It's basically an adaptation of my banana pudding recipe.

Tiramisu

8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, cream the cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

1-3.3 oz. box cheesecake instant pudding mix
1-3.3 oz. box white chocolate instant pudding mix
3 cups cold low-fat milk

In another large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the pudding to the cream cheese mixture and blend well. Fold in:

8 oz container of whipped topping, thawed

In a trifle bowl, place a single layer of:

ladyfingers (finger-shaped sponge cakes - check in the bakery section of your grocery store)

Drizzle the ladyfingers with:

chilled espresso (you'll use about 1/2 cup total, so a few tablespoons per layer)

Top the espresso-soaked ladyfingers with about a third of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding. Dust the surface with cocoa powder. It's best to make this 6 hours or more before serving, keeping it stored in the fridge.

***You can get espresso in a few ways 1) get your handsome husband to make it in your espresso machine. That's what I do. 2) Drive through Starbuck's and order a doubleshot 3) buy espresso powder from the grocery store and mix together your own.***