CCC Dear readers, I do not refer to the Civilian Conservation Corps but…. Cookies, Cream and Cakes In Combination

The principle is that a cookie or cake layer will absorb a soft filling or syrup and be transformed into a special dessert. This can be as simple as this first example that is made the same way as it was 50 years ago

Chocolate Refrigerator Roll

Nabisco still produces "Famous Chocolate Wafers". They can be found in our local stores.

One package "Famous Chocolate Wafers"
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 Tablespoons 10x sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: whipping cream whips easier if it is a few days old. Chill bowl and beaters prior to beating. Beat cream with mixer till it just begins to thicken. Add sugar gradually (it will thicken further). Continue beating until it forms soft peaks. Add extract and mix in, beat just till stiff peaks form.

Spread one tablespoon of whipped cream on each wafer. Begin stacking wafers together and stand on edge on serving plate to make a 14 inch log. Frost with remaining whipped cream. Chill for 4-6 hours or overnight. To serve, garnish with chocolate curls. Slice roll at a 45 degree angle.

PS: Use any left over whipped cream in your coffee, and the wafers can be served with ice cream, or for fun, mix crumbs of them with soft vanilla or coffee ice cream, replace in freezer, and serve in glass or bowls.

Note: Cool Whip can be used according to this recipe, but I feel that it does not have the flavor nor the consistency to combine with this or the following recipe

Now for the other end of the spectrum: It is a bit of trouble, but can and should be made the day before. This one comes from in Italy, its name is famous, each town has its own variation. This is my favorite.

Tiramisu:

There are two layers to be assembled. You begin with cookies which have been dipped into a combination of wine and coffee. This level is topped with a layer of a double cream cheese (Mascarpone) which has been combined with coffee as well. This is topped with the rich custard (zabaglione) with wine. . Repeat. The two layers of ingredients are topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder.. Many ingredients are divided and combined with others so beware! It's worth it and it's fabulous.

24 European lady fingers (they are crisp)
3 egg yolks
1 egg white
3 tablespoons fine sugar
8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese
1 1/3 cup Marsala wine (separated)
1/2 cup very strong coffee (divided)
1/3 -1/2 cup whipping cream
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Make a zabaglione (custard) by beating the eggs yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler until ivory colored. Add 1/3 cup Marsala and whisk over gently simmering water until the mixture begins to thicken. Let cool. Stir half of the coffee into the mascarpone. Beat the egg white until stiff, and mix it with the zabaglione until you get a creamy texture. Mix the remaining coffee with the Marsala and dip (one at a time) the 24 lady fingers into it. *dip just enough to fit a layer as you go. Arrange layer in the bottom of a serving dish. Cover them with half the Mascarpone, then half of the zabaglione. Repeat layers. Whip cream. Cover top of layers with the whipped cream, cover with cocoa, sifted through small strainer. Let sit over night. And congratulate yourself.

Note: my changes:

(1) add 2 tablespoons Kahlua to Marsala and coffee mixture for dipping the cookies.

(2) sprinkle the first layer with Famous Chocolate Wafer crumbs! (Just for fun and another taste!)

Next week: Old English Trifle and something simple too! pgg.