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Chef's Note: This is a take-off on the Italian classic tiramisu, which translates to pick me up, definitely won't let you down. It substitutes a rich, full-bodied beer for the booze, which is typically Marsala. Try dipping the lady fingers in a mixture of espresso and beer for an added boost!

Ingredients:

Yield: 4 servings

12-oz. porter
1/2-cup sugar
4 egg yolks
8-oz. mascarpone cheese
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2-cup heavy cream
1 Tbs. confectioner's sugar
20 lady fingers
1 cup espresso or strong coffee, chilled
1/2-cup stout
1 Tbs. maple syrup

Directions:

1. In a 2-quart stainless steel sauce pot, mix the porter and sugar together.
   
2. Simmer for 5 minutes, until half the mixture has evaporated.
   
3. Set aside and chill. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip the egg yolks until pale and double in volume, then add in the mascarpone and vanilla. Whip until incorporated, do not over whip.
   
4. Transfer the mixture to a larger mixing bowl.
   
5. Whip the heavy cream with the confectioners' sugar until stiff.
   
6. Fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, gently using a rubber spatula.
   
7. Individually dip the lady fingers into the espresso, beer and syrup mixture for 2 seconds at the most.
   
8. Place 5-6 lady fingers on the inside of a 4-10 ounce beer glass, then press them to the sides.
   
9. Fill each glass with approximately 4 ounces of the mascarpone mousse.
   
10. Refrigerate for 1 hour minimum.
    
11. Dust with cocoa powder and serve.
    
12. For an added garnish, dip a lady finger halfway into melted chocolate. Chill for 5 minutes, then push it into the mousse with the chocolate end sticking out.

Tim Schafer's Cuisine
82 Speedwell Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-538-3330
www.thebrewchef.com

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