Summer Berry Tiramisu

I’ve had this recipe for a very long time. It came from the now-defunct Hotel du Vin (south of Auckland) with no chef name attributed to it. I’ve looked at it on occasion but thought it may be too time consuming or difficult. It isn’t really. In fact it’s a very simple process that just needs some time for the layers to chill or set.

I picked it for Christmas dessert. It looked sensational and showcased summer's lovely fresh berries.  It gives a nod to trifle but with more elegance.  I liked the individual portions - just the right size and no temptation to over-indulge.

I started making it on Christmas Eve then wondered if the sponge base would be soggy the next day. Thankfully it was fine and even tasted good the following day when we shared the last one.

Bill kindly made the individual moulds for me (personal mould-maker) and they worked a treat.

I could have added some embellishments such as a swipe of lemon curd or fresh raspberries dotted on the plate but it was just perfect as it was.

As another year draws to a close I am pleased to still be writing on this blog, perhaps not as often as I would like but that too is fine as I want to continue to enjoy baking, cooking and writing about it without every having to see it as a chore. 

Thank you for reading and for all your comments. Have a very good new year x

Summer Berry Tiramisu

Serves 6

You will need 6 ring moulds (without a base) 4cm high and 6cm in diameter (mine were 7cm in diameter)

1 store-bought plain sponge

1 cup mascarpone

1 cup icing sugar, sifted

¼ cup Limoncello (the original recipe used Kahlua but I preferred the more summery taste of lemons)

¼ cup cream (whipped lightly)

1 punnet blueberries

1 punnet strawberries, hulled & quartered

1 cup raspberry puree*

1 tsp gelatine

*For the raspberry puree I used defrosted frozen raspberries (with a few fresh ones thrown in) blended or mashed and then put through a sieve to remove the seeds. This makes a clear raspberry puree.  Sadly I can’t remember how many raspberries I used to make a full cup of puree as I just kept doing more until I got the right amount.

Using one of the ring moulds, cut three circles from the sponge then carefully cut them in half horizontally so you have six circles of sponge in total.

Grease the inside of the ring moulds lightly. Place on a small tray that can hold the six moulds.

Place the six sponge bases in the base of each ring mould. Using half of the Limoncello (1/8 cup), drizzle evenly over the sponge bases. Place in fridge whilst you make the next layer.

In a bowl, lightly mix the mascarpone, icing sugar, cream and remainder of Limoncello.  Spread evenly over the sponge bases and level the tops with a palette knife. Ensure there is enough space (about 1cm) at the top of each mould for the last layer of fruit and jelly. Return to the fridge for at least 3 hours until set.

Place the berries decoratively on top of the custard. Return to fridge.

Dissolve the gelatine in water as per instructions on pack using enough gelatine powder or sheets to set 250ml of raspberry puree. I used powdered gelatine as I did not have sheets.  This is my method: Pour 85ml of hot water into a small bowl and whisk in 2 teaspoons of gelatine powder until fully dissolved and no dry bits left. Gently warm the raspberry puree in a saucepan over low heat. Add gelatine/water and mix until completely dissolved.  Set aside to cool.

Cover the tops of the tiramisu moulds evenly with raspberry puree jelly. Refrigerate for an hour or until set.

Remove from fridge about half an hour before serving.  The desserts should slip fairly easily from the moulds onto individual plates.

Sweet New Zealand

You may have expected a nod to Halloween from some of this month’s Sweet New Zealand entries, but surprisingly there was none. To be honest, I hadn’t given much thought to it myself relying on a long driveway in the middle of the countryside as a deterrent to any trick or treaters (I had no sweets or lollies for them, you see). My assumptions were correct and no witches, warlocks or ghosts crossed my path – at least not whilst I was awake...

Whilst they may not have run with the scary theme, our New Zealand food bloggers did a magic job conjuring up their own potions and spells for October’s Sweet New Zealand and in no particular order, here they are.

First out the cauldron was the serene Sue from Couscous & Consciousness with an Apricot, Date & Pistachio Loaf. I am always up for a fruit loaf and Sue says this delicious loaf full of dried fruit, seeds and nuts was so good she can’t wait to make it again. I can’t wait to try it, Sue.

Sue's Apricot, Date & Pistachio Loaf from Couscous and Consciousness

Not one to rest on her laurels, Sue was back in the kitchen to whip up a second entry for Sweet New Zealand and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting apricot season as this Roasted Apricot Frozen Yoghurt sounds mouth-wateringly good. If, like Sue, you have a supply of frozen apricots in your freezer (why didn’t I think of that?), then what are you waiting for? Try it now – the sun is out as I speak.

Another delicious entry from Sue at Couscous and Consciousness - Roasted Apricot Frozen Yoghurt

Next up is Genie from a super little blog called Bunny Eats Design. Genie celebrated National Nut Day on 21st October (which along with Halloween also bypassed me) with these Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts. I love taking little bowls of snacks such as these to book club – especially when you’ve made them yourself.

If you love lemons as I do, then you will probably like lemon curd (and all its amazing possibilities). You’ll be glad then that Amanda from Move Love Eat has created a Healthier Lemon Curd that is also gluten free and paleo friendly! Lots of ticks there. It must be good - Amanda has been making triple batches to keep up with the demand.

A healthier Lemon Curd from Move Love Eat

If you’re looking for a moist cake that’s a bit sweet and a bit spicy, look no further than this Sticky Prune Cake from Frances at Bake Club. Just the thing to have with a cup of tea.

Sticky Prune Cake - courtesy of Frances at Bake Club

Doing things a little differently is Sweet New Zealand founder, Alessandra. Whilst in Japan she developed her very own Tiramisu di Alessandra. (She’s Italian, so if anyone can mess around with an Italian dessert, she can.) Hers is made with cream, instead of mascarpone. The topping is Italian ground coffee, not cocoa and she finds a good quality whisky makes all the difference. Well of course it does. Salute! 

Tiramisu di Alessandra - from Sweet NZ founder, Alessandra Zecchini

My own entry is this Citrus & Almond Cake with Yoghurt Drizzle. 

That's it from Sweet New Zealand this month.  Enjoy what is left of your weekend.

Yours truly's Citrus & Almond Cake with Yoghurt Drizzle