Tiramisu - My first attempt!!

I have been pondering for the longest time of what to make for my ex-colleagues 'to be', on my last day.. and till the last min, i guessed i need not make any decision myself.. Received a bottle of Baileys on my desk upon my arrival at work today.. and my colleague who gave it to me, has an request for me to try making tiramisu cake tml!! I was trying to find a recipe that's easy to make and not much of an hassle as I have to hunt for those ingredients after work still.. =D

Managed to get an eggless recipe from another colleague!! She is none other then JY! This is a rather unique recipe as it doesn't contain eggs, which is very ideal for kids as they are no-bake cakes.. and uncooked eggs may not be suitable for them.. but of cos the most tempting part is, its of the lowest calorie content for tiramisu cakes! =D I have decided to use an aluminum tray (those disposable kind) for easy assembling / storage and can carry to office the next day without much trouble..

Here's the recipe from JY, who gotten from this weblink;

I have modified the recipe to a aluminum tray that measures 11inch by 9inch;

Ingredients

• 2tsp INSTANT ESPRESSO COFFEE POWDER - used 20gm of Nescafe gold blend coffee powder
  
• 1 cup HOT WATER - used 1 and 1/2 cup
  
• BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM, 2/3 cup - used 1 cup
  
• MASCARPONE CHEESE, 500gm - used 750gm
• FAT-FREE CREAM CHEESE, 8 ounces, softened - used 450gm
• BROWN SUGAR, 1/3 cup, packed - used 110gm
  
• LADYFINGERS/SPONGE FINGERS BISCUITS, 24 - used 48
  
• UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER, 2 teaspoons - used 4 tbsp (for 1st layer's cream mixture as well as the final layer on top)

Directions

1. Make coffee by dissolving the coffee powder in the hot water.
   
2. Transfer coffee to a shallow dish.
3. Add 2 tablespoons Baileys' Irish Cream.
4. Set aside and allow to cool.
5. In a large bowl, combine Mascarpone and cream cheese.
6. Beat at high speed until smooth.
7. Add brown and granulated sugar and remaining Baileys' Irish Cream.
8. Beat until well-blended.
9. Have a 9-inch square baking dish ready. - used 9 by 11 inch
10. Briefly dip sugar side of ladyfinger in coffee mixture, abt 3secs.
11. Place (flat side down) ladyfinger on bottom of baking dish (you should use half of the ladyfingers).
12. Spread half of cream cheese mixture over ladyfingers.
13. Sprinkle with half of the cocoa powder.
14. Repeat with remaining ladyfinger (dip the flat side with the coffee mixture), cream cheese mixture, and cocoa powder.
15. Chill 2 hours. - chilled overnight before making my way to office!

Yippppie!! Here are the shots!! - All thanks to JY's recipe once again! The cake was so well received by all of my colleagues and most of them love it mucchie.. but it wasn't enough for any second helpings.. as i have to distribute to 38 ppl... i m such overjoyed over the feedback as its my first attempt and yet successfully done up.. =D And one of my sweetie colleague has placed an order for her bday cake in april.. heex.. its such encouraging!!! =)

Pic for #8 (Mascarpone/Cheese/Sugar/Baileys, well-blended)

Pic for #11 (placing 1st layer of sponge fingers, soaked with coffee/baileys)
Pic for #12 (spreading half mixture over sponge fingers)

Pic for #13 (sprinkle with cocoa powder)

Pic for #14 (placing final layer of sponge fingers, mixture & cocoa powder)