Easy Tiramisu

This is a super easy version of tiramisu. It's still delicious, but uses ingredients you're more likely to have on hand. I somehow never have mascarpone, but usually have cream cheese.

You can add as much or as little of the instant coffee as you want. Feel free to experiment with other flavors such as vanilla and coffee liquors.I used light cream cheese, but just because that's what I had already.

Break the ladyfingers up into smaller pieces to fit the pan. Don't worry about the look. You'll top it with the chocolate mixture so no one will be able to see the cookies!

The Recipe

makes one 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan of tiramisu

4 ounces chocolate chips - semisweet or dark chocolate
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups hot water
2 tablespoons cocoa
1-2 teaspoons instant coffee - depending on taste
8 ounces cream cheese - slightly softened
2/3 cup white sugar

7-ounce package of ladyfinger cookies
additional cocoa, cinnamon for sifting on top

Mix cocoa powder and instant coffee into hot water. Allow to cool.

Melt the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of cream in the microwave (on low) until smooth. Allow to cool to about room temperature.

Combine the chocolate/cream mixture with cream cheese and sugar. Whip on high for a few minutes. Add the cream slowly until the mixture is a thick consistency.

Put a layer of the chocolate mixture into pan. Top with ladyfingers that you've dipped (briefly) in the cocoa, coffee and hot water. Repeat layers ending with the chocolate mixture. Refrigerate for several hours, or overnight. Sift additional cocoa and cinnamon on top right before serving.

Orange Date Chocolate Bread

After finding myself with a big box of wheat flake cereal on hand, I realized it only made sense to use it for baking. This recipe is fun because you get to make soggy cereal!

Stir in the dates and let it sit a little more while you combine the dry ingredients.

You can substitute any kind of nuts for the chocolate chips. I bet walnuts, pecans or even almonds or cashew would be tasty. If you're in an extra fruity mood, you could add other things like raisins or prunes.

The Recipe

makes 1 9x9-inch loaf cake

3/4 cup orange juice
1 cup milk
zest of one orange
2 eggs
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup oil (I used coconut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/3 cups wheat flake cereal (Wheaties or something similar)
1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup ground flaxseed (can omit if you don't have it)
1/3 cup sugar (depending on taste, you can omit or use less)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup mini chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour your pan.

Combine orange juice, zest, milk, eggs, honey, oil and vanilla. Mix well. Add in cereal and let stand for about 5 to 10 minutes. Chop dates and stir in.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. Stir in orange juice and milk mixture, as well as chocolate chips. Mix just until fully blended.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for about an hour. If the top gets too done, cover it with some aluminum foil.