Intro to Cooking: Blueberry Tiramisu

The summer solstice has passed, school is out, and if you’re like me, you’re probably sitting in a pool right now. A pool of your own sweat, that is. Yes, it’s that time of year when it’s just too hot to even think about cooking, let alone come up with a recipe. But if the thought of another freeze-pop dinner makes you gag (I’ve totally been there), never fear—CollegeCandy is here!

By Sara C

This week’s ingredient: Blueberries!

Not only are blueberries in season, but they are an inexpensive and low-calorie (84 calories per cup!) snack. They’re loaded with elleagic acid, which prevents cell damage, as well as vitamins C and E, manganese, and both soluble and insoluble fiber. Still, be sure to wash them before eating, because they are among the foods upon which pesticides are most frequently found.

Easy Meal Ideas

1. Toss with a salad, oatmeal, or yogurt for a sweet boost to mealtime standards.
2. Serve with cool-whip or other crème for a refreshing dessert (hold me back…!)
3. Did you know many health stores sell dried blueberries? If you’re tired of raisins or thought craisins too sugary-sweet, these babies might be the perfect portable snack.

The Recipe: Blueberry Tiramisu

There’s no dessert quite like tiramisu. It’s not quite cake, it’s lighter than pudding, fluffier than cream pie, and definitely hits the sweet spot. Here’s a twist on an old Italian favorite, modified from a Kaboose recipe to include blueberries and the lighter Neufchatel cheese (available at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, baby). Best part? No steamy baking required!

Ingredients

3 cups blueberries
1 pound Neufchatel cheese
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
40 lady fingers
2 cups hot water
3 tablespoons instant espresso powder
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa

Instructions

·  Puree the blueberries (make sure to remove stems first, if any). In a large bowl stir puree into the cheese and set aside. In a clean bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar and almond extract until soft peaks form. Stir one-third of the whipped cream into Neufchatel mixture. In two more additions, fold the remaining whipped cream into Neufchatel mixture.

·  Line the bottom of a baking  pan with half the ladyfingers. Stir 2 cups of hot water into espresso powder and cocoa until smooth. Brush half the espresso mixture onto the lady fingers.

·  Spread half the Neufchatel mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat layering with the remaining lady fingers, coffee and Neufchatel mixtures.

·  Chill for at least 4 hours.  Top with fresh blueberries. Serves 24.