Lemon ornament $9.99 | 6" stoneware tree plate $9.99
The Christmas season is officially here! We joined in the festivities downtown at the Santa Claus parade over the weekend, what a tremendous way to bring in the Christmas spirit! We are definitely feeling the joyful afterglow of the celebrations! And it couldn’t have come at a better time, as we have a series of Christmas gatherings lined up for the foreseeable weekends. Whether hosting, or arriving as a guest, parties can be overwhelming and require a great deal of effort! When I can, I like to prepare make ahead dishes to help ease into the event - so we aren’t left scrambling the day of.
Nonno's lemons - prices vary | Lady fingers $5.99
For our first gathering, I’ve been tasked with making dessert. After careful consideration, I’ve settled on making this irresistible Limoncello Tiramisu. It’s an Italian classic with a zesty twist! And in my opinion, the perfect light and fresh way to end a meal.
4" Christmas cactus $9.99 | Cotton tea towel $14.99
Did you know the Italian word ‘tiramisu’ means ‘pick me up’ or ‘lift me up’?!
Often, these words are exactly the feeling we’re looking for after indulging in a large meal. And this is precisely why this lemon tiramisu is the ideal dessert for any holiday celebration. The bright and tangy lemon flavor brings a refreshing contrast to the rich and heavy dishes typically served during this time of year. The lightness of the dessert helps to balance out the overall meal and leaves room for indulgence without feeling overly stuffed.
Let me preface this recipe by noting the importance of using fresh lemons. Lemon juice from a bottle simply doesn’t contain the same fresh flavour as a big beautiful ripe lemon. And I know just where to get mine – Nonno’s (aka – Henry’s) lemon tree!
Henry's Lemon Tree
Nonno's lemons - prices vary*
Anna’s is famous for the humongous fig tree that canopies over the store, but many people don’t know, behind the scenes they also have an impressive lemon tree which produces the juiciest and best lemons! This is what inspired my dessert choice more than anything. On cold days, I like to sneak back here and imagine I'm somewhere warmer! The sight of this tree transports me to our time in Italy…where lemons grew everywhere, and limoncello was a delectable aperitif to many a meal.
Nonno's lemons - prices vary*
The recipe I’m using is from The Marble Kitchen. The only change I made was adding vanilla extract to my whipped cream, and substituting granulated sugar for icing sugar. This recipe fills a 9 x 13 inch pan. If you want to change the serving size, there are conversions on the website https://www.themarblekitchen.com/limoncello-tiramisu/
Here it is:
6" stoneware tree plate $9.99 | Cotton tea towel $14.99
LIMONCELLO TIRAMISU
Bamboo measuring spoons $19.99 | Vanilla extract $19.00 | Lady fingers $5.99 | Nonno's lemons - prices vary | Pot holder $14.99
INGREDIENTS:
Limoncello Syrup:
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup limoncello
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Tiramisu:
- 48 crisp ladyfinger cookies about two 7 oz packages
- 24 oz mascarpone cheese chilled
- 15 oz prepared lemon curd
- ⅓ cup limoncello
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and stir over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the limoncello and lemon juice. Pour the syrup into a shallow bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Take about ⅓ of the whipped cream and stir it into the mascarpone mixture. Carefully fold in the rest of the whipped cream until combined.
5. With one ladyfinger at a time, dip into the syrup on one side for about 2 seconds and then the other side for about 2 seconds. You don't want to overly saturate the ladyfingers or the tiramisu will be too soggy. The cookie should still have a slight crispness to it after dipping.
Lady fingers $5.99
6. Arrange each ladyfinger in a 9x13 pan, all facing the same direction in a single layer. Cut ladyfingers to fit as needed.
7. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the first layer of ladyfingers and smooth the top. Dip the remaining ladyfingers, one at a time, and arrange them in the same way over the cream. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the top layer of ladyfingers and smooth the top.
Lady fingers $5.99
8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and let refrigerate at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Top with additional whipped cream (if desired) just before serving.
9. If desired, garnish with whipped cream & lemon zest.
This dessert comes together so easily, and is best made a day in advance – making it ideal for this eventful holiday season.
The addition of Limoncello to this dish enhances the citrus flavour and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication – making it a perfect dish to bring to a dinner party. Pair it with a bottle of nice prosecco adorned with an ornament and you have yourself a thoughtful host gift as well!
Lemon ornament $9.99 | Cedar spray $3.99
I should mention that there is a considerable amount of alcohol present in this dessert. If you plan on serving it to children and have concerns about the alcohol content, you can easily simmer it on low heat to remove any traces of alcohol. Rest assured, the flavour will still be delightful! I made a test batch and am tasting it with the family first, so that’s what we did. My hubby and I have been mindful of our alcohol intake as well. So tonight, instead of pairing it with bubbly, we are savouring it alongside a soothing peppermint tea. And let me tell you – it is divine!
4" Christmas cactus $9.99 | Snowflake pot $12.99 | Pinecone mug & saucer $19.99 & $14.99 | 6" stoneware tree plate $9.99
Comments
This recipe looks & sounds devine ❤️😋
This looks amazing! I will definitely be making it! Thanks so much.