Tiramisu

Michael and I made this tiramisu for his dad's birthday. It's one of our favorite desserts and we both like it made with lady fingers, so it's a little more like a trifle than a cake.

2 packages lady fingers, split

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp instant coffee

2 Tbsp rum

2 8oz packages cream cheese (I used fat free), softened

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1.5 oz semisweet chocolate, grated

1 cup whipping cream

2 Tbsp strong coffee or coffee liqueur

1/2 oz semisweet chocolate, grated

Chill a medium mixing bowl and the beaters of an electric mixer.

For syrup: in a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, instant coffee, and 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat until boiling. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in rum. Cool completely.

For filling: in a medium bowl stir together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Stir in 1.5 oz of the grated chocolate.

To assemble: Place 1/4 the ladyfinger halves in the bottom of a trifle dish. Brush with 1/4 of the syrup. Spread with 1/3 of the filling. Add 1/4 more ladyfinger halves and continue layering. Top with last 1.4 of the ladyfingers and syrup.

In the chilled mixing bowl, combine whipping cream and coffee or liqueur. Beat with chilled beaters on medium speed until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over top layer. Sprinkle with last 1/2 oz grated chocolate. Cover and chill 4 hours before serving. (I think I might just use fat free cool whip for the top next time to save on calories and for ease).