Mixed Berry Tiramisu

Name: Mixed Berry Tiramisu
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh raspberries; 3 cups fresh blackberries; 2 cups fresh blueberries; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1-1/3 cups sugar, divided; 4 teaspoons grated orange zest; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 package (7 ounces) crisp ladyfinger cookies; Additional fresh berries, optional

Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh macerated berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Ingredients

3 cups fresh raspberries
3 cups fresh blackberries
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1-1/3 cups sugar, divided
4 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (7 ounces) crisp ladyfinger cookies
Additional fresh berries, optional

Directions

Place berries in a large bowl. Mix 1/3 cup sugar, orange zest and orange juice; toss gently with berries. Refrigerate, covered, 45 minutes.
Beat cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar. Fold in whipped cream, one third at a time.
Drain berries over a shallow bowl, reserving juices. Dip 12 ladyfingers in reserved juices, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange in a single layer on bottom of a 13x9-in. dish. Layer with half the berries and half the mascarpone mixture; repeat layers.
Refrigerate, covered, overnight. If desired, top with additional berries before serving.

Editor’s Note: This recipe was prepared with Alessi brand ladyfinger cookies.