*This classic Tiramisu is a such a decadent treat! Coffee and brandy-soaked ladyfingers are layered with a rich and creamy mascarpone filling and chopped dark chocolate.*

Rome is my favorite city in the world, and one of my favorite activities, when in Rome, is taste-testing my way around the city by way of tiramisu! Well, truthfully, I could say the same about pizza and pasta and gelato, too. Rome just has that many delicious food opportunities!

A couple of years ago, my family and I spent Christmas and New Years in Rome. This trip was immediately following my semester in Paris. Although you might think I would have been sick of trying new foods, after all of the delicacies I discovered in France – think again! We all thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the city’s outdoor markets and popping into tiny, crowded food shops. We quickly discovered the most amazing gelateria in the world. And my brother and I made it our mission to try as many servings of tiramisu as possible. For research’s sake only, of course 😉

After tasting all sorts of different variations – from the thickest of custards to light, airy puddings to practically cheesecake-like confections – well, our tastes became pretty specific. I’ve now had enough not great variations (although still edible, of course – tiramisu is always edible!) to know exactly what I like. And today, I’m filling you in on what the perfect tiramisu looks like to me! First, we need the perfect ratio of coffee and booze-soaked, softened ladyfingers to creamy mascarpone filling. Said mascarpone filling must be super rich – if it’s too light it won’t stand up to the other flavorful ingredients. And finally, there should be enough alcohol – we’re using both marsala and brandy here – for a bit of a bite, to offset all that rich, sweet, creaminess. Honestly, you guys, I love this tiramisu because it’s an easy dessert that instantly reminds me of my favorite adventures in Italia!