“Stars and Fire” Tiramisu

An innovative take on the classic tiramisu, crafted to amaze and win competitions. This dessert blends bold and contrasting flavors with a refined and dramatic presentation, creating a true showstopper.

Ingredients (serves 6)

For the spiced coffee base:

• 250 g of ladyfingers
• 200 ml of espresso (cooled)
• 50 ml of cardamom liqueur (or any liqueur of choice)
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the mascarpone and saffron cream:

• 250 g of mascarpone cheese
• 3 fresh egg yolks
• 100 g of sugar
• 200 ml of fresh whipped cream
• 1 sachet of saffron
• 1 tsp of vanilla paste

For the dark chocolate jelly:

• 150 ml of water
• 100 g of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
• 30 g of sugar
• 3 g of gelatin sheets

For decorations:

• Maldon sea salt flakes
• Edible gold powder
• Caramelized sugar flames

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Preparation

1. Prepare the spiced coffee base

1. Brew the espresso and let it cool.
2. Add the cardamom liqueur, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
3. Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the spiced coffee mixture and arrange them in the bottom of a baking dish or individual serving glasses.

2. Make the mascarpone and saffron cream

1. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
2. Gently fold in the mascarpone and saffron.
3. Add the whipped cream, folding it in carefully to keep the mixture airy.

3. Prepare the dark chocolate jelly

1. Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the water, dark chocolate, and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the soaked gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly.

4. Assemble the tiramisu

1. Layer a portion of the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers.
2. Add a thin layer of chocolate jelly.
3. Repeat the process for at least two layers, finishing with the mascarpone cream on top.

5. Final decorations

1. Dust the surface with edible gold powder.
2. Create small caramelized sugar flames by melting sugar in a pan, pouring strips onto parchment paper, and letting them harden.
3. Sprinkle a touch of Maldon sea salt flakes to balance the sweetness.

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Presentation

Serve the tiramisu in clear glasses to showcase the layers, or on a stylish plate adorned with the caramelized sugar flames for dramatic effect. Just before serving, use a small blowtorch to lightly flambé the sugar decorations for a theatrical touch.

The result: An elegant, innovative tiramisu bursting with contrasts and flavors, perfect for dazzling a competition jury!