Culinary quiz game uncovers tiramisu recipe

(Feb. 6, 2009) "Hi, my name is Deborah Lee and welcome to 'Culinary Jeopardy.' We have two contestants from the Eastern Shore who are going to test their knowledge and compete for a fabulous prize."

Deborah Lee: "Contestant No.1, tell the viewers a little about yourself."

Contestant No. 1: "I am 27 and have a beautiful daughter who is 3 years old. I'm a stay-home mother and live in Pittsville."

Deborah Lee: "Pittsville, Md., has a population of approximately 1,200, but did you know that 'Rimers of Eldritch,' a story about a backwater Iowa town, starring Rue McClanahan and Susan Sarandon, was actually filmed in Pittsville?

"Contestant No. 2, I understand you are a computer expert."

Contestant No. 2: "Yes, I am an information systems administrator for a local bank. I have been with the company for 13 years and live in Selbyville, Del. I am a bachelor and seeking an outgoing women who loves to cook."

Deborah Lee: "Oh my goodness, all single ladies who are watching, contestant No. 2 is available. A handsome gentleman will certainly help our ratings. All right, let's get down to business and briefly review the rules.

The first one who hits the buzzer gets the opportunity to answer the question. If one answers the question incorrectly, the opponent will be given the chance to come up with the correct answer. Also, the point value of the question will be deducted from the score of the person who gave the incorrect answer.

"First question, when shopping for perfume, take this particular food item with you."

Contestant No. 1: "Espresso beans."

Deborah Lee: "That is correct. The essential oils found in the espresso beans help clear one's palate and refresh the sense of smell. Ten points for the girl from Pittsville.

"True or false, sprinkling used coffee grounds around the base of your garden plants can help fertilize them."

Contestant No. 1: "True."

Deborah Lee: "That is also correct. Coffee grounds are a good soil amendment for plants that like acidic soil. In fact, some Starbucks Coffee franchises save their spent espresso grounds and make it available for free for those who have gardens. Contestant No. 1, you have 20 points. Contestant No. 2, your future wife could be watching; let's get some points on the board.

"Name, in order, the two most widely used products in the world."

Contestant No. 1: "Toilet paper and coffee."

Deborah Lee: "I'm sorry, but that is not the correct answer. Contestant No. 2, do you want to take a chance?"

Contestant No. 2: "Oil and coffee."

Deborah Lee: "We have a tied game. Next question, what country in December 2001 produced a coffee-scented postage stamp to promote its worldrenown coffee production?"

Contestant No. 2: "Brazil."

Deborah Lee: "Correct. Contestant No. 2 leads 20 to 10. We are almost out of time, but it's still anyone's game. The championship question is worth 25 points and the correct answer will take it all.

The grand prize is a complete kitchen makeover provided by Delmarva's Kitchen of Miracles. This complete package is worth $25,000.

"I am going to describe a recipe that includes a coffee product. At any point you feel you know the answer, go for it. Procrastination may cost you the match. Are both contestants ready? Let's begin.

"The Italian translation for this dessert is 'carry me up.' A dessert similar to this dish was created in the 17th century in Siena for Grand Duke Cosimo de'Medici III and was called zuppa del duca. He brought the recipe back with him to Florence. Eventually the dessert made its way to England. Its American popularity arose in San Francisco and today it's served in restaurants throughout the nation.

"Some versions of this recipe include coffee, but espresso is the preferred choice. Rum, brandy, port and marsala are all possibilities. Whipped heavy cream ensures lightness.

"Cheese is of the essence. A triplecream cheese with a butterfat content between 60 and 70 percent is essential for this recipe. Originated from Italy's Lombardy region; its versatility is a known forte.

"Sprinkles come in various varieties. This chocolate dusting is made when chocolate liquor is pressed to remove three quarters of its cocoa butter. The remaining cocoa solids are processed to make fine unsweetened cocoa-powder.

"Ladyfingers …"

Contestant No. 1: "Tiramisu."

Deborah Lee: "Congratulations, we have a winner! Just out of curiosity, can you complete the recipe?"

Contestant No. 1: "Oh yes, I use to help my mother make it as a young child. This recipe is simple and so delicious. The ingredients include 1 1/2 cups espresso, 1/3 cup water, 1/4 to 1/2 cup sweet marsala or brandy, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 6 eggs separated, 1 1/2 cups sugar plus sugar for coating lady fingers, 1 pound mascarpone cheese, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (cold), 2 packages of lady fingers and cocoa powder.

"Combine espresso, 1/2 cup sugar, water, marsala or brandy into a shallow dish. Set aside and refrigerate. Mix egg yolks, vanilla and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl. Add mascarpone and mix well. Fold in whipped heavy cream. Refrigerate mixture. Quickly dip ladyfingers in espresso mixture and coat with sugar; lay ladyfingers in the bottom of the pan. I would like to reiterate how important it is to quickly dip the fingers; otherwise they will become very soggy. Then simply layer the mascarpone mixture and fingers and heavily dust the top with cocoa powder. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. If one desires a lighter version, add 3 whipped egg whites into the mascarpone combination."

Deborah Lee: "Sounds very yummy. We are out of time. Congratulations and enjoy your new kitchen. I'm Deborah Lee and this is 'Culinary Jeopardy.' See you next week."