Beeramisu (Tiramisu w/Guinness)

Have you ever made something just because the name sounded so good? There are times when you hear a dish, meal or dessert described and it sticks in your head as something you just have to make. When you finally get around to making it, sometimes the dish lives up to the expectation that your mind has built and sometimes it sounded better than it tasted. This is one of those that the taste exceeds the sound of the name.

I made this dessert for a night when a bunch of homebrewers and some homebrewer wan-a-bee's were getting together to drink some homebrew and talk about brewing, grilling, roasting coffee, and many other "guy crafty" things. Beer may be in the name, but the beer is really just a compliment to all the other flavors. The espresso flavors are replaced with the Guinness and Irish Cream which adds a coffee and chocolate flavor with a hint of malty and bitterness. You may think that this would be a boozy dessert, but it is quite the opposite. The rich flavors blend perfectly with the sweetness of the mascarpone.

If you are looking for a great dessert to server, give this a try. If you are looking for a great dessert to try with a rich stout or dark brew, this dessert is a must.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb mascarpone, softened
• 6 tbs sugar (1/4 cup + 2 tbs)
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream (or substitute like Carolan's)
• 4 oz Guinness (or similar dark Irish Stout)
• 8 oz Guinness for each person partaking of the dessert.
• 36 Italian ladyfingers (the hard ones that look like biscotti)
• Small chocolate bar for shaving (dark preferably)
• 9x9 dish to assemble and server in.

Directions:

• In a small mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone, 1/4 cup of Irish Cream and all of the sugar. Stir vigorously till the sugar is dissolved.
• In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, place the heavy whipping cream & 1/4 cup of Irish Cream. Whip on high until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipping cream mixture into the mascarpone. Do not over mix or the lightness will be pushed out.
• Pour 4 oz of Guinness into a shallow bowl
• Create first layer:
  • Dip ladyfingers in the Guinness, 1 second each side (Count one-one-thousand, flip, one-one-thousand, remove). Tightly layer the dipped cookie in the serving dish. Break cookies in half or whatever is needed to fill the bottom of the serving dish.
  • Spread 1/2 of the mascarpone & whipping cream mixture on top of the layer of cookies. Drizzle 1/8 cup (2 tbs) of Irish Cream on top of the spread mixture.
• Create second layer:
  • Repeat the steps from the first layer.
• Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
• Just before serving shave or chop the chocolate bar. Sprinkle chocolate over desert and serve with a Guinness or similar beer.

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Sitting time: 12-24 hours

Servings: 6-9

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