Twinkie Tiramisu

[Granny Smith]

I haven't tried this yet, but I'll bet I will. I'll substitute cream cheese for the Mascarpone, since they don't sell that around here.

Twinkie Tiramisu

Ingredients:

* For the Espresso Syrup:
* 1/3 cup water
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 2/3 cup strongly brewed espresso coffee
* 1/4 cup Italian or domestic brandy (optional)

* For the Mascarpone Filling:
* 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 pound mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature

* Other Ingredients:
* 12 Twinkies, sliced 1/2 inch thick
* Cocoa powder, for garnish

For the Espresso Syrup:
1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
3. Remove from heat, cool and add coffee and brandy.

For the Mascarpone Filling:
1. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Fold cream into softened mascarpone.

To Assemble Twinkie Tiramisu:
1. Place a layer of the Twinkie slices in the bottom of a shallow 2-quart baking dish or gratin dish.
2. Drizzle with half of the Espresso Syrup.
3. Spread with half of the Mascarpone Filling.
4. Repeat with remaining Twinkie, syrup, and filling.
5. Smooth the top with a metal spatula.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
7. Just before serving, sift cocoa to lightly dust the top of the tiramisu.

[meemo]

Yummy. I'd have to sub. powdered sugar for the cocoa but the rest sounds good.

[Granny Smith]

LOL That's what I was going to do, too. Can't take that cocoa. I might mix a little instant coffee with the powdered sugar (I'd grind it between 2 spoons first, so it's powdery)

[Valerie]

So tell me how this comes out, and how it compares to non-Twinkie tiramisu. My absolute favorite restaurant (Italian of course) closed down. Dave and I used to always split a tiramisu after dinner there, and I sure do miss it. That place made Olive Garden seem like McDonald's in comparison, but too many people don't appreciate something good.