Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup ladyfingers
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line the bottom of the springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the brewed coffee, sugar, and coffee liqueur. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. In another mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone and ricotta cheese until smooth.
5. Fold in the whipped cream and chopped dark chocolate.
6. Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and arrange them in the bottom of the springform pan.
7. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ladyfingers.
8. Sprinkle half of the chopped almonds and candied orange peel over the cheese mixture.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers, cheese mixture, almonds, and candied orange peel.
10. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. Before serving, remove the plastic wrap and release the springform pan.
12. Garnish with additional chopped almonds and candied orange peel, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours or overnight
Temperature:
Freeze at 0°F (-18°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Total fat: 20g
Saturated fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total carbohydrate: 27g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 22g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of coffee liqueur, you can use rum or brandy.
- Instead of mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese.
- Instead of ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese.
Variations:
- You can add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the ladyfingers and cheese mixture.
- You can use different types of nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, instead of almonds.
- You can use different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, instead of dark chocolate.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to dip the ladyfingers quickly in the coffee mixture, as they can become too soggy if left in the liquid for too long.
- You can use a food processor to chop the almonds and candied orange peel.
- You can make the coffee mixture stronger or weaker depending on your preference.
Storage instructions:
- Store the Coffee Cassata in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- Let the Coffee Cassata thaw for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Coffee Cassata on a cake stand or platter.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving.
Garnishes:
- Chopped almonds
- Candied orange peel
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot coffee or espresso.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ladyfingers become too soggy, they may fall apart when serving. Make sure to dip them quickly in the coffee mixture and arrange them in a single layer in the pan.
- If the cheese mixture becomes too runny, you may have over-beaten the heavy cream. Make sure to beat until stiff peaks form, but do not over-beat.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about food safety.
- Store the Coffee Cassata in the freezer until ready to serve.
Food history:
- Cassata is a traditional Italian dessert that originated in Sicily. It is typically made with sponge cake, ricotta cheese, and candied fruit.
Flavor profiles:
- The Coffee Cassata is rich and creamy, with a strong coffee flavor and hints of dark chocolate, almonds, and candied orange peel.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Coffee Cassata as a dessert after a dinner party or special occasion.
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Region: Italian