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Tiramisu Recipes from Italian Friends and Family
Want to learn to make tiramisu like the Italians do at home? Look no further than this collection of twenty-five easy tiramisu recipes from genuine Italian people who love cooking. With clear step-by-step instructions and tempting photos, nothing here is difficult, elaborate or intimidating. Martina Munzittu, born and brought up in Italy, has collected these tried-and-trusted recipes from her Italian family and friends. This delicious dessert collection includes many different tiramisus, such as traditional tiramisu, tiramisu cakes, cheesecake and cupcakes, fruity and alcoholic varieties and tiramisus for children. With vegan, gluten-free, low-fat and low-sugar versions, there's something here for everyone. A bonus section includes inspiration and advice for throwing the ultimate tiramisu party. If you're a tiramisu lover, this is the perfect book for you.
98 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2014
About the author
Martina Munzittu
5 books26 followersIt has been said that each one of us has a book inside them, or a story to tell. I started very early: already at nursery age I used to tell stories to my friends. Not only the traditional fairy tales, but I would also make up whole new stories.
My passion carried on until elementary school: once I learnt to write, I had another weapon on my hands, not only I could tell my stories, but I could also write them down on my notebooks.
From secondary school onwards, I got distracted and I focussed on the stuff that the other kids did: studying, playing, spending time with friends, sports, etc. I stopped writing, but I started reading, a lot. The library in my village was small, but well equipped, and I was a regular visitor there.
I carried on reading as an adult, but the working world seemed very distant from the fairytales, somehow I wasn't inspired to write.
Until one day I decided to write my first novel "A Deal with a Stranger". I wrote it in English, because I had moved from Italy a while back, and I got used to thinking in English. A few years later, my friend Davide offered to translate the book and now we also have the Italian version "Un patto con una sconosciuta".
Writing is a true pleasure for me. It's always a special moment because it gives me the opportunity to escape from my world and create a brand new one, where I'm in control of what happens. Sometimes my characters take hold of my hand and guide me, and at this point I let them decide where to go.
My passion carried on until elementary school: once I learnt to write, I had another weapon on my hands, not only I could tell my stories, but I could also write them down on my notebooks.
From secondary school onwards, I got distracted and I focussed on the stuff that the other kids did: studying, playing, spending time with friends, sports, etc. I stopped writing, but I started reading, a lot. The library in my village was small, but well equipped, and I was a regular visitor there.
I carried on reading as an adult, but the working world seemed very distant from the fairytales, somehow I wasn't inspired to write.
Until one day I decided to write my first novel "A Deal with a Stranger". I wrote it in English, because I had moved from Italy a while back, and I got used to thinking in English. A few years later, my friend Davide offered to translate the book and now we also have the Italian version "Un patto con una sconosciuta".
Writing is a true pleasure for me. It's always a special moment because it gives me the opportunity to escape from my world and create a brand new one, where I'm in control of what happens. Sometimes my characters take hold of my hand and guide me, and at this point I let them decide where to go.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 20, 2014
I admit it: I love desserts. A lot. I’ve always adored tiramisu, it’s a delicious dessert, rich and satisfying. One of those treats that make you feel like you just tasted food from the gods.
When I saw a book that had so many varieties of tiramisu, I had to have it.
The photos that accompany the desserts are really beautiful and authentic. This is a major difference between this book and your typical cookery book. You can feel the atmosphere and the personality of the homes where the desserts have been prepared, because those photos have been taken by the people who made them. The friends and family of the author! Just looking at those photos... I was drooling.
I’d like to buy the paperback now and sit down on the sofa and browse it with my mum. Neither of us is a great cook, but these recipes are explained in such a simple way that even we can make some of those tiramisu without any problems. Not only that, it looks like it’s going to be fun. And even if we get something wrong, we can still refer to the section of the book called “Tiramisu Disasters”, which I found a great idea, since often cookery books manage to make you feel utterly inadequate, whilst the author of Tiramisu Recipes, in a humoristic way, reminds us all that it’s OK to get it wrong at times, that life must not be taken too seriously, we are human and we can make mistakes, and if we take it with the right spirit, we can even have fun when we screw up.
Another original idea that I loved about this book is the fact that after each recipe there is a short biography of the person who contributed that recipe. What a nice, personal touch. For me that I was reading that book, it was like knowing a little bit more about that person, I had almost a feeling of belonging to a community, it was as if I’d just made a new friend.
Not to mention the “Tiramisu Party” section, with all the suggestions and inspiration on how to throw an amazing party with a tiramisu theme. I loved the idea of giving party bags to your guests when they leave, a small tiramisu treat to take home.
I would certainly recommend this book to people who love desserts, to anyone who has tried tiramisu and loved it, and to people who have heard of tiramisu and maybe have never tried it. It’s a book that teaches you all the basics of how to make it, with professionalism, but at the same time with simplicity and with a hint of fun. It’s not just a cookery book, but a whole experience of cooking the way Italians do at home, with their family and with their friends.
When I saw a book that had so many varieties of tiramisu, I had to have it.
The photos that accompany the desserts are really beautiful and authentic. This is a major difference between this book and your typical cookery book. You can feel the atmosphere and the personality of the homes where the desserts have been prepared, because those photos have been taken by the people who made them. The friends and family of the author! Just looking at those photos... I was drooling.
I’d like to buy the paperback now and sit down on the sofa and browse it with my mum. Neither of us is a great cook, but these recipes are explained in such a simple way that even we can make some of those tiramisu without any problems. Not only that, it looks like it’s going to be fun. And even if we get something wrong, we can still refer to the section of the book called “Tiramisu Disasters”, which I found a great idea, since often cookery books manage to make you feel utterly inadequate, whilst the author of Tiramisu Recipes, in a humoristic way, reminds us all that it’s OK to get it wrong at times, that life must not be taken too seriously, we are human and we can make mistakes, and if we take it with the right spirit, we can even have fun when we screw up.
Another original idea that I loved about this book is the fact that after each recipe there is a short biography of the person who contributed that recipe. What a nice, personal touch. For me that I was reading that book, it was like knowing a little bit more about that person, I had almost a feeling of belonging to a community, it was as if I’d just made a new friend.
Not to mention the “Tiramisu Party” section, with all the suggestions and inspiration on how to throw an amazing party with a tiramisu theme. I loved the idea of giving party bags to your guests when they leave, a small tiramisu treat to take home.
I would certainly recommend this book to people who love desserts, to anyone who has tried tiramisu and loved it, and to people who have heard of tiramisu and maybe have never tried it. It’s a book that teaches you all the basics of how to make it, with professionalism, but at the same time with simplicity and with a hint of fun. It’s not just a cookery book, but a whole experience of cooking the way Italians do at home, with their family and with their friends.
July 20, 2014
As a chocoholic and pudding-devotee, this book was guaranteed to please! The recipes are all surprisingly different and varied - if you're not already a tiramisu aficionado you'll be amazed how many scrummy variations of this dessert there are. I have the Kindle edition but I'm going to order the paperback too so I can refer to it again and again. The instructions are easy to follow, the pictures beautiful, and the addition of the personal backgrounds of each recipe's creator sets this apart from your usual cookery book. Highly recommended.
July 20, 2014
Scroll down for the English version.
Il tiramisù come non lo avete mai visto (e assaggiato) prima
Confesso che ho acquistato questo libro perché amo il tiramisù e spero di spingere qualcuno a prepararmi una di queste delizie!
Nel frattempo mi sono messa a leggere il libro e a studiare un po’ le ricette.
Prima di tutto trovo molto azzeccata l’idea di dedicare un intero libro a questo famoso dolce. L’autrice ha preso spunto dalle varianti della ricetta base del tiramisù che ha avuto modo di assaggiare nelle cene a casa degli amici. Ha poi chiesto ad amici e parenti di inviarle la ricetta corredata di foto. Si tratta quindi di un libro che raccoglie l’esperienza di diverse persone, per la maggior parte italiane, ma non tutte.
Devo dire che le ricette sono scritte in maniera molto chiara e sono estremamente facili da seguire anche per chi come me non è molto esperto in cucina, poiché le procedure vengono descritte passo passo. Chiunque ci si potrebbe cimentare.
Le foto sono molto belle e ben fruibili anche da chi ha scaricato il libro nell’ereader. Nonostante il bianco e nero, si apprezzano bene i dettagli, il file non è affatto pesante e il cambio pagina è fluido.
È davvero sorprendente la varietà di modi in cui è possibile preparare il tiramisù. Onestamente non avevo idea che ce ne potessero essere così tanti. Ci sono ricette per tutti i gusti e per tutte le abitudini alimentari (vegani, persone a dieta, celiaci) e permette di preparare un dolce per tutte le occasioni e tutti i tipi di ospiti.
Molto carina è la parte dedicata agli autori delle ricette. Abbiamo modo di conoscerli un po’ da vicino, scoprire dove vivono e cosa fanno nella vita. A ognuno di loro l’autrice ha anche chiesto quale fosse il suo dolce preferito.
Questo, però, non è solo un libro di ricette.
Nella parte iniziale l’autrice si sofferma a parlare del tiramisù, dei suoi ingredienti, e offre addirittura una lista di domande frequenti con relative risposte per chi non ha familiarità con questo dolce.
Dopo le ricette vi sono poi altre due sezioni.
Quella dei "Tiramisu Disasters" è molto utile per capire quali errori si possono fare nella preparazione, in modo da evitarli.
E poi c’è la divertente sezione del "Tiramisu Party" che propone delle idee originali per organizzare una festa a base di tiramisù, dagli inviti fino ai giochi (molto divertente il Tiramisu Quiz).
In breve si tratta di un libro ben fatto, utile per chi voglia cimentarsi nella preparazione di questo delizioso dessert, ma può essere anche un’ottima idea regalo.
Tiramisu like you’ve never seen (and tasted) it before
I confess that I bought this book because I love tiramisu and I hope to push someone to prepare one of these delicacies!
In the meantime I started to read the book and study the recipes.
First of all, I find the idea to devote an entire book to this famous dessert very original. The author was inspired by the variations of the basic recipe of tiramisu that she has got the chance to taste during the dinners with friends. She then asked friends and relatives to send the recipe with pictures. It is therefore a book that collects the experience of different people, for the most part Italian, but not all.
I have to say that the recipes are written in a very clear way and are extremely easy to follow even for someone like me who is not very experienced in the kitchen, because the procedures are described step by step. Anyone could try them.
The pictures are very beautiful and very usable even by those who have downloaded the book onto an e-reader (and not a tablet). Despite the black and white, you appreciate fine details, the file is not heavy and the page transition is smooth.
It is truly amazing the variety of ways in which you can prepare the tiramisu. Honestly I had no idea that there could be so many. There are recipes for all tastes and for all eating habits (vegan, people on a diet, gluten-free) and allows you to make a dessert for all occasions and all types of guests.
I’ve particularly liked the part dedicated to the authors of the recipes. You have the chance to know them a little, find out where they live and what they do in life. The author has also asked each of them what their favourite dessert is.
This, however, is not just a book of recipes.
In the first part, the author describes the tiramisu, its ingredients, and even provides a list of frequently asked questions with answers for those not familiar with this cake.
After the recipes there are other two sections.
That of the “Tiramisu Disasters” is very useful to understand what mistakes you can make during the preparation, so that you can avoid them.
And then there is the fun section of the “Tiramisu Party”, which offers original ideas to organize a party based on tiramisu, from the invitations to the games (the Tiramisu Quiz is very amusing).
In short it is a good book, it’s useful for those who want to engage in the preparation of this delicious dessert, but it can also be a great gift idea.
Il tiramisù come non lo avete mai visto (e assaggiato) prima
Confesso che ho acquistato questo libro perché amo il tiramisù e spero di spingere qualcuno a prepararmi una di queste delizie!
Nel frattempo mi sono messa a leggere il libro e a studiare un po’ le ricette.
Prima di tutto trovo molto azzeccata l’idea di dedicare un intero libro a questo famoso dolce. L’autrice ha preso spunto dalle varianti della ricetta base del tiramisù che ha avuto modo di assaggiare nelle cene a casa degli amici. Ha poi chiesto ad amici e parenti di inviarle la ricetta corredata di foto. Si tratta quindi di un libro che raccoglie l’esperienza di diverse persone, per la maggior parte italiane, ma non tutte.
Devo dire che le ricette sono scritte in maniera molto chiara e sono estremamente facili da seguire anche per chi come me non è molto esperto in cucina, poiché le procedure vengono descritte passo passo. Chiunque ci si potrebbe cimentare.
Le foto sono molto belle e ben fruibili anche da chi ha scaricato il libro nell’ereader. Nonostante il bianco e nero, si apprezzano bene i dettagli, il file non è affatto pesante e il cambio pagina è fluido.
È davvero sorprendente la varietà di modi in cui è possibile preparare il tiramisù. Onestamente non avevo idea che ce ne potessero essere così tanti. Ci sono ricette per tutti i gusti e per tutte le abitudini alimentari (vegani, persone a dieta, celiaci) e permette di preparare un dolce per tutte le occasioni e tutti i tipi di ospiti.
Molto carina è la parte dedicata agli autori delle ricette. Abbiamo modo di conoscerli un po’ da vicino, scoprire dove vivono e cosa fanno nella vita. A ognuno di loro l’autrice ha anche chiesto quale fosse il suo dolce preferito.
Questo, però, non è solo un libro di ricette.
Nella parte iniziale l’autrice si sofferma a parlare del tiramisù, dei suoi ingredienti, e offre addirittura una lista di domande frequenti con relative risposte per chi non ha familiarità con questo dolce.
Dopo le ricette vi sono poi altre due sezioni.
Quella dei "Tiramisu Disasters" è molto utile per capire quali errori si possono fare nella preparazione, in modo da evitarli.
E poi c’è la divertente sezione del "Tiramisu Party" che propone delle idee originali per organizzare una festa a base di tiramisù, dagli inviti fino ai giochi (molto divertente il Tiramisu Quiz).
In breve si tratta di un libro ben fatto, utile per chi voglia cimentarsi nella preparazione di questo delizioso dessert, ma può essere anche un’ottima idea regalo.
Tiramisu like you’ve never seen (and tasted) it before
I confess that I bought this book because I love tiramisu and I hope to push someone to prepare one of these delicacies!
In the meantime I started to read the book and study the recipes.
First of all, I find the idea to devote an entire book to this famous dessert very original. The author was inspired by the variations of the basic recipe of tiramisu that she has got the chance to taste during the dinners with friends. She then asked friends and relatives to send the recipe with pictures. It is therefore a book that collects the experience of different people, for the most part Italian, but not all.
I have to say that the recipes are written in a very clear way and are extremely easy to follow even for someone like me who is not very experienced in the kitchen, because the procedures are described step by step. Anyone could try them.
The pictures are very beautiful and very usable even by those who have downloaded the book onto an e-reader (and not a tablet). Despite the black and white, you appreciate fine details, the file is not heavy and the page transition is smooth.
It is truly amazing the variety of ways in which you can prepare the tiramisu. Honestly I had no idea that there could be so many. There are recipes for all tastes and for all eating habits (vegan, people on a diet, gluten-free) and allows you to make a dessert for all occasions and all types of guests.
I’ve particularly liked the part dedicated to the authors of the recipes. You have the chance to know them a little, find out where they live and what they do in life. The author has also asked each of them what their favourite dessert is.
This, however, is not just a book of recipes.
In the first part, the author describes the tiramisu, its ingredients, and even provides a list of frequently asked questions with answers for those not familiar with this cake.
After the recipes there are other two sections.
That of the “Tiramisu Disasters” is very useful to understand what mistakes you can make during the preparation, so that you can avoid them.
And then there is the fun section of the “Tiramisu Party”, which offers original ideas to organize a party based on tiramisu, from the invitations to the games (the Tiramisu Quiz is very amusing).
In short it is a good book, it’s useful for those who want to engage in the preparation of this delicious dessert, but it can also be a great gift idea.
July 18, 2014
I had never made Tiramisu before but this charming book convinced me to give it a try. I made the Baileys Tiramisu recipe and was amazed how straightforward it was: much easier and faster than I'd expected, with very little clean-up. What's more, the results were really tasty and even better the day after, so this is definitely going on my list of things I can make in advance, when friends come over to eat. The book is beautifully laid out and I love that every recipe has an accompanying photo. And I adored the section of Tiramisu Disasters, showing that even accomplished cooks encounter problems sometimes - complete with tips on avoiding the most common pitfalls.
[A quick note for US readers: hopefully mascarpone and ladyfingers will be readily available in your grocery store, but if you don't find them easily, do ask: in my (large) branch of Raleys, the ladyfingers were kept behind the scenes for some strange reason.]
Assuming you like desserts(!), I'd be surprised if you don't find something to entice you in this tempting book. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other options including the Tiramisu Pancakes and maybe even the Tiramisu Brownie. I'm delighted with my copy and have already bought two more as gifts.
[A quick note for US readers: hopefully mascarpone and ladyfingers will be readily available in your grocery store, but if you don't find them easily, do ask: in my (large) branch of Raleys, the ladyfingers were kept behind the scenes for some strange reason.]
Assuming you like desserts(!), I'd be surprised if you don't find something to entice you in this tempting book. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other options including the Tiramisu Pancakes and maybe even the Tiramisu Brownie. I'm delighted with my copy and have already bought two more as gifts.
July 21, 2014
Tiramisu Recipes is a great Italian cookbook: a collection of recipes from the author's friends and family based in Italy, as well as some recipes of her own. That is why it's truly authentic, because you learn to make the dessert in the way Italian people make it in in their own home. It's a great gift idea for people who love cooking, but also a superb choice if you want to challenge yourself with something surprising and delicious as tiramisu.
As an Italian myself, I didn't know about all the tiramisu varieties that the author describes and talks about. Her step-by-step preparation method is clear and engaging. Kudos also to the images and the astonishing book layout which really looks like a professional work.
My personal highlights of this dessert book are the tiramisu party (yes, you can organize a party for friends only with desserts and tiramisu!) and the section where the author shows her first failed attempts whilst preparing the recipes, and tells you what not to do.
A compelling book of Italian tiramisus, traditional and non. You cannot miss this if you love desserts! 5 well-deserved stars according to me.
As an Italian myself, I didn't know about all the tiramisu varieties that the author describes and talks about. Her step-by-step preparation method is clear and engaging. Kudos also to the images and the astonishing book layout which really looks like a professional work.
My personal highlights of this dessert book are the tiramisu party (yes, you can organize a party for friends only with desserts and tiramisu!) and the section where the author shows her first failed attempts whilst preparing the recipes, and tells you what not to do.
A compelling book of Italian tiramisus, traditional and non. You cannot miss this if you love desserts! 5 well-deserved stars according to me.
August 21, 2014
This is a catchy and well-written dessert book. Despite the fact that the author clearly states that she isn't a professional chef, she is very good at describing the recipes and the steps involved, in a simple and clear way. Besides, the many photos, taken in real kitchens by the person who made the dessert, help the reader to visualize the final result.
The book contains 25 tiramisu recipes, from the classic one to more exotic versions such as cupcakes and cheesecake. The author is able to satisfy even the choosiest palate.
In particular, I enjoyed the historical note on the origin of the dessert at the beginning of the book.
But, Tiramisu recipes isn't just an Italian cookbook. The author tells us that this dessert is a way for her to share the Italian tradition with her friends and family, and now with her readers too. A lot of people took part in this project, each one of them bringing their personal version of tiramisu, sometimes as it was made by their mother or grandmother. I totally agree: cooking – or just eating – is an opportunity to spend precious time with the people we care about.
The book contains 25 tiramisu recipes, from the classic one to more exotic versions such as cupcakes and cheesecake. The author is able to satisfy even the choosiest palate.
In particular, I enjoyed the historical note on the origin of the dessert at the beginning of the book.
But, Tiramisu recipes isn't just an Italian cookbook. The author tells us that this dessert is a way for her to share the Italian tradition with her friends and family, and now with her readers too. A lot of people took part in this project, each one of them bringing their personal version of tiramisu, sometimes as it was made by their mother or grandmother. I totally agree: cooking – or just eating – is an opportunity to spend precious time with the people we care about.
December 30, 2017
Delicious and easy
I had no idea all the ways you cold make tiramisu. There is even a gluten free version (recipe for gluten free lady fingers). One thing that is interesting about the recipes is how stuff is measured so a food scale would be the best way to measure the accurate amount for the ingredients which is actually how baking in general is done best.
I had no idea all the ways you cold make tiramisu. There is even a gluten free version (recipe for gluten free lady fingers). One thing that is interesting about the recipes is how stuff is measured so a food scale would be the best way to measure the accurate amount for the ingredients which is actually how baking in general is done best.
September 7, 2014
I was asked by an author I've worked with on a couple other occasions to review her new cookbook. I'm a keen cook and baker, and am always looking for new recipes to add to my repertoire, so I had to, naturally, say yes.
Now, you may have guessed from the title that this is a Tiramisu recipe book. And ONLY tiramisu. There is a very large variety of recipes, and they will appeal to tastes of all kinds, but their common factor is that they are all tiramisus.
Here's a brief description of the book itself. It starts off with an introduction as to why this book was created, and where the recipes came from. In this case, the author is Italian (now living in the UK), and created this book using an amalgamation of her own recipes, as well as those of friends and family.
Now, a quick side note, as the author herself states, the photos for each tiramisu were taken by their respective chef, so "you will probably find that the taste of these recipes will surpass their artistic (the photos) merit." So, don't expect professional quality photos. However, the photos still display their desserts proudly and tantalisingly.
There are 25 different recipes, all tried and tested. This includes "alcoholic and fruity versions; tiramisu cakes, cheesecake and cupcakes; classic tiramisu; egg-free and gluten-free desserts; low-fat and low-sugar tiramisu; children's tiramisus; ice cream and pancakes, and many more". So if you were worried about a lack of variety, worry no more.
The book contains some pages containing a brief history of tiramisu; some very nicely laid out pages that include how to prepare the ingredients before use; and an FAQ section that includes basic queries, such as how long a tiramisu lasts, or what to do if your mousse is the wrong consistency, as well as the basic equipment you will need.
Then it's simply a matter of choosing your perfect recipes. I picked six variations before reviewing this book.
Each recipe is named for its creator. There is also a mini bio of every chef on their relevant page- with quirky little facts, including a nice, little statement about their favourite dessert. Ice cream seems to be very popular, but I'm assuming it's gelato, as opposed to actual ice cream. While the two are technically the same product, they have very different qualities. If you have never had gelato, my goodness you need to find a way to remedy that.
Each recipe is set up using the same general formula. One page contains the recipe, ingredients (serving size included) and the bio, all laid out opposite a photo of the completed dessert. A nice little touch is small photos next to each recipe name, showing a major ingredient used in that recipe, e.g. coffee beans for traditional tiramisu.
After the recipes, there is a section labelled 'Tiramisu Disasters' because 'it is important to remind ourselves that the path to success is dotted with occasional failures." This section includes a few 'issues' experienced during the making of this recipe book. It includes a brief description and photos, and serves as a useful resource for what NOT to do.
Next is an entire section on hosting a "Tiramisu Party" and a fun little quiz. You can find all the answers to said quiz in this book (and there is a cheat sheet to check your answers). I scored a rather adequate 9 out of 10. Just call me the Tiramisu Master.
I tried six recipes in preparing to review this book. I picked out a good range of different recipes, trying to cover all areas.
Overall, a great recipe book if you're fond of tiramisus. With so many variations there's something for everyone. The book itself is laid out in a clean, simple design that makes everything very comprehensible and easy to use. I thoroughly recommend it, and I already have the next recipes I want to try in mind.
I'm not a huge coffee fan, but over the past few days I may have become addicted. These desserts certainly live up to their name, and are the perfect 'pick me up'.
My only criticism is actually to do with the design of the front cover, and nothing to do with the book's contents. The big red border is a little unflattering and off putting in my opinion, but that is entirely my own personal taste- which was certainly appeased flavour wise. I may have to pick a print copy of this recipe book up myself (as I was working with an ARC .pdf copy)!
What more can I say? This was a great little recipe book, with a lot of variety. I was a little nervous that a tiramisu specific recipe book would be a little too pigeon-holed to sell well, but the book has such diverse recipes that it may as well be a general dessert book. If you've got a sweet tooth, check it out. It was released today, so why not pick up a copy?
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Now, you may have guessed from the title that this is a Tiramisu recipe book. And ONLY tiramisu. There is a very large variety of recipes, and they will appeal to tastes of all kinds, but their common factor is that they are all tiramisus.
Here's a brief description of the book itself. It starts off with an introduction as to why this book was created, and where the recipes came from. In this case, the author is Italian (now living in the UK), and created this book using an amalgamation of her own recipes, as well as those of friends and family.
Now, a quick side note, as the author herself states, the photos for each tiramisu were taken by their respective chef, so "you will probably find that the taste of these recipes will surpass their artistic (the photos) merit." So, don't expect professional quality photos. However, the photos still display their desserts proudly and tantalisingly.
There are 25 different recipes, all tried and tested. This includes "alcoholic and fruity versions; tiramisu cakes, cheesecake and cupcakes; classic tiramisu; egg-free and gluten-free desserts; low-fat and low-sugar tiramisu; children's tiramisus; ice cream and pancakes, and many more". So if you were worried about a lack of variety, worry no more.
The book contains some pages containing a brief history of tiramisu; some very nicely laid out pages that include how to prepare the ingredients before use; and an FAQ section that includes basic queries, such as how long a tiramisu lasts, or what to do if your mousse is the wrong consistency, as well as the basic equipment you will need.
Then it's simply a matter of choosing your perfect recipes. I picked six variations before reviewing this book.
Each recipe is named for its creator. There is also a mini bio of every chef on their relevant page- with quirky little facts, including a nice, little statement about their favourite dessert. Ice cream seems to be very popular, but I'm assuming it's gelato, as opposed to actual ice cream. While the two are technically the same product, they have very different qualities. If you have never had gelato, my goodness you need to find a way to remedy that.
Each recipe is set up using the same general formula. One page contains the recipe, ingredients (serving size included) and the bio, all laid out opposite a photo of the completed dessert. A nice little touch is small photos next to each recipe name, showing a major ingredient used in that recipe, e.g. coffee beans for traditional tiramisu.
After the recipes, there is a section labelled 'Tiramisu Disasters' because 'it is important to remind ourselves that the path to success is dotted with occasional failures." This section includes a few 'issues' experienced during the making of this recipe book. It includes a brief description and photos, and serves as a useful resource for what NOT to do.
Next is an entire section on hosting a "Tiramisu Party" and a fun little quiz. You can find all the answers to said quiz in this book (and there is a cheat sheet to check your answers). I scored a rather adequate 9 out of 10. Just call me the Tiramisu Master.
I tried six recipes in preparing to review this book. I picked out a good range of different recipes, trying to cover all areas.
Overall, a great recipe book if you're fond of tiramisus. With so many variations there's something for everyone. The book itself is laid out in a clean, simple design that makes everything very comprehensible and easy to use. I thoroughly recommend it, and I already have the next recipes I want to try in mind.
I'm not a huge coffee fan, but over the past few days I may have become addicted. These desserts certainly live up to their name, and are the perfect 'pick me up'.
My only criticism is actually to do with the design of the front cover, and nothing to do with the book's contents. The big red border is a little unflattering and off putting in my opinion, but that is entirely my own personal taste- which was certainly appeased flavour wise. I may have to pick a print copy of this recipe book up myself (as I was working with an ARC .pdf copy)!
What more can I say? This was a great little recipe book, with a lot of variety. I was a little nervous that a tiramisu specific recipe book would be a little too pigeon-holed to sell well, but the book has such diverse recipes that it may as well be a general dessert book. If you've got a sweet tooth, check it out. It was released today, so why not pick up a copy?
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.
April 16, 2015
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Tiramisu Recipes from Italian Friends and Family is guaranteed to whet your appetite. This lovely book by Martina Munzittu contains twenty-five recipes for just about any occasion. The author collected these “must have” recipes from family and friends who enjoy baking this sweet. These are not only the regular ones either. They include alcohol and fruity variations, gluten-free and low-fat alternatives, fun shaped children’s tiramisus and even pancakes. The author explains what tiramisus are made of, and there’s a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section. Monica’s Coconut Tiramisu, Dahlia’s Tiramisu Cupcakes, and Maria Grazia’s Baileys Tiramisu are a few of the treats which are named after the persons who contributed the recipes.
One of the things I like about Tiramisu Recipes from Italian Friends and Family are the appealing photos which accompany every recipe. Martina Munzittu and her family and friends took pictures of all the desserts they baked. A few of the ones which flopped were included in a nice section called Tiramisu Disasters. The author explains that success often comes after a couple failed attempts, so never give up. Another terrific part of the book shows you how to organise a Tiramisu Party. It has innovative ideas for invitations, buffets and a fun tiramisu quiz to play with your guests. The author’s Practical Notes will come in handy when planning your party. You’ll be very impressed with Martina’s Munzittu’s book. I enjoy baking and intend to try my hand at making a few of these treats.
Tiramisu Recipes from Italian Friends and Family is guaranteed to whet your appetite. This lovely book by Martina Munzittu contains twenty-five recipes for just about any occasion. The author collected these “must have” recipes from family and friends who enjoy baking this sweet. These are not only the regular ones either. They include alcohol and fruity variations, gluten-free and low-fat alternatives, fun shaped children’s tiramisus and even pancakes. The author explains what tiramisus are made of, and there’s a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section. Monica’s Coconut Tiramisu, Dahlia’s Tiramisu Cupcakes, and Maria Grazia’s Baileys Tiramisu are a few of the treats which are named after the persons who contributed the recipes.
One of the things I like about Tiramisu Recipes from Italian Friends and Family are the appealing photos which accompany every recipe. Martina Munzittu and her family and friends took pictures of all the desserts they baked. A few of the ones which flopped were included in a nice section called Tiramisu Disasters. The author explains that success often comes after a couple failed attempts, so never give up. Another terrific part of the book shows you how to organise a Tiramisu Party. It has innovative ideas for invitations, buffets and a fun tiramisu quiz to play with your guests. The author’s Practical Notes will come in handy when planning your party. You’ll be very impressed with Martina’s Munzittu’s book. I enjoy baking and intend to try my hand at making a few of these treats.
September 2, 2014
We are a family who like cooking and we have loads of books of different cuisines, including some Italian cookery books. However, our collection was missing a book dedicated to tiramisus, and when I saw this one, I decided we had to have it.
I was amazed at how easy the recipes were to follow in this dessert book. Very simple step-by-step instructions, no fuss, no millions of ingredients, but a few basic ones to create an amazing dessert. We tried two of the children tiramisus and our boy and girl loved them. To be truthful, we loved them too, in fact we wished we’d made double as there was none left for the following day.
As my wife is a chocolate addict, the next one we’re going to try is the chocolate tiramisu. It has an extra layer of chocolate mascarpone mousse in it; it leaves you drooling just by looking at the picture. Yes, that’s something else that’s really cool about this Italian cookbook: the photos are amazing. I can’t believe that they’ve been taken by the author’s family and friends. It kind of makes this book even more special in a way; it feels like a real authentic Italian experience. We will be trying more recipes from this dessert cookery book, and for my birthday, the tiramisu cake is definitely on the list.
I was amazed at how easy the recipes were to follow in this dessert book. Very simple step-by-step instructions, no fuss, no millions of ingredients, but a few basic ones to create an amazing dessert. We tried two of the children tiramisus and our boy and girl loved them. To be truthful, we loved them too, in fact we wished we’d made double as there was none left for the following day.
As my wife is a chocolate addict, the next one we’re going to try is the chocolate tiramisu. It has an extra layer of chocolate mascarpone mousse in it; it leaves you drooling just by looking at the picture. Yes, that’s something else that’s really cool about this Italian cookbook: the photos are amazing. I can’t believe that they’ve been taken by the author’s family and friends. It kind of makes this book even more special in a way; it feels like a real authentic Italian experience. We will be trying more recipes from this dessert cookery book, and for my birthday, the tiramisu cake is definitely on the list.
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