Chocolate Milk-Washed Espresso Rum Tiramisu

Ingredients:

For the Milk-Washed Espresso Rum:

• 1 cup chocolate milk

• 2 cups espresso rum (or any coffee-flavored rum)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar (optional, to assist in curdling if needed)

• Cheesecloth (for straining curds)

• Fine sieve or strainer

For the Tiramisu Layers:

• Ladyfingers: 20-24 pieces

• Milk-washed espresso rum liquid (from the clarification process)

• Curds from the milk-wash (processed into creamy filling)

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Cocoa powder: For dusting

• Dark chocolate shavings: Optional, for garnish

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Steps:

1. Milk-Wash the Espresso Rum

1. Curdling Process:

   • In a bowl, combine the chocolate milk and espresso rum.

   • Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow curdling. If curds don’t form naturally, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar.

2. Strain the Mixture:

   • Pour the curdled mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve or strainer.

   • Reserve the clarified liquid (milk-washed espresso rum) for soaking the ladyfingers and save the curds for the creamy filling.

2. Prepare the Creamy Filling

1. Process the Curds:

   • Blend the curds in a food processor or whisk by hand until smooth and creamy.

   • Combine the processed curds with mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.

2. Fold in Whipped Cream:

   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the curd-mascarpone mixture, creating a light, airy filling.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu

1. Soak the Ladyfingers:

   • Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the clarified espresso rum. Be careful not to oversoak, as they can become soggy.

2. Layer the Tiramisu:

   • In a rectangular dish or individual glasses, create a base layer with the soaked ladyfingers.

   • Spread a layer of the creamy curd-mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers.

   • Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and creamy filling until all ingredients are used.

4. Final Touches

1. Dust with Cocoa Powder:

   • Generously dust the top layer with cocoa powder for a classic finish.

2. Optional Garnishes:

   • Add dark chocolate shavings or a drizzle of leftover clarified espresso rum for an extra indulgent touch.

5. Chill and Serve

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set perfectly.

• Serve chilled and enjoy this elevated take on a timeless dessert.