Newly opened this year, the upscale but unfussy Maestro is a modern Italian restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner outside Washington, D.C. The open kitchen is the focal point of the room, but it doesn't have to be the center of attention — the cooks talk to one another through headsets, keeping the noise level down. The dining room's large windows offer a view of the nearby capital. An elegant rendition of tiramisù is the restaurant's signature dessert.
Gelatin helps the creamy mascarpone filling set, making this classic dessert easy to cut and beautiful to serve. We've simplified the restaurant's recipe for home cooks.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 14 to 16 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Sprinkle gelatin over Marsala in medium metal bowl. Let stand 5 minutes to soften. Whisk in egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk constantly until candy thermometer registers 165°F, about 5 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Gradually add mascarpone, whisking vigorously until well blended. Beat whipping cream with remaining 1/4 cup sugar in large bowl to peaks. Fold into mascarpone mixture.
Step 2
Whisk 1 cup hot water, Kahlúa, and espresso powder in another medium bowl to blend. Dip half of Champagne biscuits, 1 at a time, into coffee mixture. Place enough dipped biscuits over bottom of 9-inch-diameter springform pan to cover, cutting biscuits to fit if necessary. Pour half of mascarpone mousse over ladyfingers. Dip remaining biscuits into coffee mixture, 1 at a time, and arrange atop mousse. Spoon remaining mascarpone mixture over. Sift 2 tablespoons cocoa powder over. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Release pan sides. Cut into wedges and serve with Amaretto Ice Cream.
