Here are some of the signs that you have finally reached adulthood (in case you weren't sure yourself):
- You've found yourself making a tiramisu or any other kind of fru-fru dessert. No, rice-krispie treats do not count (though they are equally delicious).
- You look at your bank account and there is actually enough money to pay all your bills.
- You can't remember the last time you bounced a check.
- You have 'effin dinner parties!
- You use matching china at those dinner parties.
- You go to the dentist/gyno/eye doctor on a regular basis.
- You start saying things like,"Those darn kids are making too much racket."
- You finally appreciate what your parents had to go through to raise you not to be a serial killer or stripper.
- You start thinking about having kids, like, SERIOUSLY thinking about it. (I'm not sure all men go through this step.)
- You drive more cautiously. When I say cautiously, I mean no more than 5 miles over the speed limit, signal your turns, don't tailgate, etc. (My husband would say I have not achieved this bullet yet.)
- You own every kitchen gadget known to man.
- You go to bed by 11 pm and wake up by 7 am (sometimes on the weekends, too!).
- You read for pleasure. (Currently reading Harry Potter #7 for the third time.)
- You are gainfully employed.
- You use words like "utilize" and "garner."
- Your mother actually goes out on a limb and tells you you're finally acting like an adult.
Umm, I'm sure there are more and will be more as I keep getting more "adult-like." Please comment and share your "signs that you've reached adulthood!"
Oh, and in case you feel like crossing off the "making a tiramisu" bullet off your adulthood list, here is the recipe!
Tiramisu
From "The Gourmet Cookbook"
Serves 6
3 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
1 (8 ounce) container (scant 1 cup) of marscapone
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup of very cold heavy cream
2 cups brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled to room temperature
2 tablespoons sweet Marsala wine
18 savoiardi (crisp Italian ladyfingers)
1/4 cup good bittersweet chocolate shavings (not unsweetened; shavings made with a vegetable peeler) or 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Beat together yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. Beat in marscapone until just combined.
Beat whites and salt in another bowl with cleaned beaters until whites hold soft peaks. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar a little at a time, beating, then continue to beat until whites just hold stiff peaks.
Beat cream in another bowl with cleaned beaters until it just holds soft peaks. Gently but thoroughly fold cream into marscapone mixture, then fold in whites.
Stir together espresso and Marsala in a shallow bowl. Dip 1 ladyfinger in the espresso mixture, soaking it for about 4 seconds on each side, and transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish (1 quart capacity). Repeat with 8 more ladyfingers, trimming them as needed to fit snugly in bottom of dish. Spread half of marscapone mixture evenly over ladyfingers. Make another layer in the same manner with remaining ladyfingers and marscapone mixture. Refrigerate tiramisu, covered, for at least 6 hours.
Just before serving, sprinkle with chocolate.
One note, I needed many more ladyfingers to cover the bottom of my dish, so buy extra just in case. Also, I ended up brewing strong coffee instead of espresso, which is fine. Also, make sure you buy SWEET Marsala wine, not the stuff you find for cooking. Lastly, any kind of ladyfingers will do, but we really liked the flavor of the Italian ladyfingers or savoiardi. They are bigger and soak up the coffee or espresso better than others you might find.
YUM!
