You guys have been asking for this recipe for a looong time now. Apologies for not making it sooner. But now that it's here - let's all take a moment to dance and sing about the wonders of the earth. In what other world can we create a luscious, creamy, sweet dessert entirely from raw nuts and fruits that looks and tastes THIS good? This is it, folks - welcome to the best place ever. On that note, since our spherical abode IS so welcoming to us, maybe we should return the favour? Let's not leave our garbage lying around, let's not pollute the water, let's not steal milk from baby cows, let's not mess with nature (yes, I'm talking about GMOs) and let's not eat our animal friends!?
None of that is necessary. This recipe, however, is a mandatory task. By that I DO mean the planet will implode if you don't make it and enjoy the heck out of its healthy, sexy flavour. ASAP.
I am very pleased with how this recipe turned out. I wasn't sure I'd be able to recreate the classic dessert that became such a celeb in the 50's (?), but I did! I think this would probably taste equally mind-blowing if you used macadamias instead of pine nuts. Jus' sayin'. I used cold-pressed coffee for the ladyfingers and the combo of the coffee plus sweet vanilla cream plus cacao powder on the top is pure bliss, let me tell ya. Actually, don't listen to me. See for yourself... with your taste buds...
"Taste buds don't have eyes, Emily, so they can't see. What are you even talking about..."
Dammit.
New train of thought: as far as my personal life is concerned - things are on the up and up! The past week I have been busy working on my second book (pre-order my other one here), reestablishing old friendships, thinking hard in my university lecture halls, cuddling with my current beau, and maintaining my "healthy" addiction to my record player and collection. Anybody dig Carpenters? I cannot get enough of them right now. Also 2Pac. Gotta love the Pac... and what the HECK!? The album Surf's Up by The Beach Boys is insane.
"Okay, that's enough rambling from the likes of you, Em... just give us the recipe."
Hmph.
Crust:
1 cup oats or walnuts
1 cup raisins
2 tablespoons cold-pressed coffee*
Ladyfingers:
1 cup oats
1 cup dates
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cold-pressed coffee*
Vanilla cream:
2 cups pine nuts or macadamia nuts
2 cups water, as needed
1/4 cup liquid coconut oil
3 tablespoons coconut nectar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 teaspoons soy lecithin (optional, but recommended to thicken the mixture)
To make the crust: process the oats or walnuts into flour in a food processor. Add the raisins and coffee and process until it forms a ball. Press evenly into the bottom of a lined bread pan. Set in the fridge.
To make the ladyfingers: process the oats into flour in a food processor then combine the rest of the ingredients in a food processor until they begin to stick together. Form into rectangular cookies (ladyfingers) that will fit into your baking pan. Dehydrate for 1-2 hours on each side, or use your oven at its lowest temperature.
To make the vanilla cream: blend all the ingredients until smooth and thick, like pudding, adding liquid as needed. Spread half this mixture onto your crust, then place your lady fingers close beside each other on top of the vanilla cream. Carefully spread on the rest of the vanilla cream and set in the fridge or freezer for at least 24 hours.
When ready to serve: gently take the tiramisu out of the pan, dust with cacao powder, and slice into squares with a sharp knife.
*Steep roasted coffee beans in water overnight, strain and use the liquid.