Twinkie Tiramisu With Espresso Syrup

Total Time: 13 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 3 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup strongly brewed espresso coffee
• 1/4 cup brandy, italian if possible
• 1 lb mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 10 hostess twinkies, sliced in half lengthwise
• cocoa powder (to garnish)

Recipe

• 1 espresso syrup: combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. bring to a simmer over medium high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. remove from heat, cool and add coffee and brandy.
• 2 mascarpone filling: beat mascarpone, sugar and vanilla until smooth. whip cream until soft peaks form. fold gently whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
• 3 to assemble: place a layer of the twinkie slices in the bottom of a shallow 2 1/2 quart baking dish. drizzle with half of the espresso syrup. spread with half of the mascarpone filling. repeat with the remaining twinkie slices, syrup and filling.
• 4 smooth top with a spatula. cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. just prior to serving, sift cocoa to lightly dust the top.