While I truly treasure this wonderful place I call home, when it comes time to look for “specialty” ingredients I’m often left wanting. Such was the case the first time I set out to make tiramisu. I had a hard enough time finding marscarpone, but the ladyfingers (also known as “savoiardi”) were impossible to find around here. I made my own out of necessity, and haven’t looked back since. They’re so light and delicate, a perfect cross between a cake and a cookie.
Of course tiramisu is the first thing that comes to mind, but these delicate little beauties have so many applications. I especially like them topped with some fresh berries tossed in a bit of sugar or drizzled with honey. Don’t go to the Italian specialty section of your grocery store to buy these ever again. Save yourself a few bucks and make them at home!
Ladyfingers aka Savoiardi
Yield: 30 Ladyfingers
6 egg whites
2/3 cup granulated sugar + 2 tbsp.
5 egg yolks
1 cup minus 1 tbsp. all purpose flour
powdered sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 450F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat.
Whip egg whites while gradually sprinkling the 2/3 cup of sugar until stiff.
Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp. of sugar and egg yolks until well mixed.
Fold 1/2 of the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites. Fold the rest in.
Sift the flour over the egg white mixture and fold until flour is well incorporated.
Using a 1/2″ round tip, pipe into ladyfinger shapes. About 1/2 – 3/4″ high and 1″ width for ladyfingers.
Dust ladyfingers with powdered sugar and let stand for 15 minutes. Dust one more time until sugar is absorbed.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Source: Desserts by Pierre Herme by Dorie Greenspan via The Novice Chef
7 Comments
The piping is my problem. I always have a problem with using a pastry bag.
I have found the sponge type ones in the bakery/deli section of Food Lion. Usually in the same place as the sponge cups for strawberries.
Yum….they look beautiful!
I would never ever have thought of making my own lady fingers – not in a million years. My piping always lets me down but I guess if they’re going into a Tiramisu, who cares what they look like!
They are the very sole reason i rarely make tiramisu! so expensive
This will help a lot!
These delicate treats taste so heavenly. Love DIY lady fingers.
Thanks so much Laura! Your cookies have saved me. I was planning to make Tiramisu for a party i’m throwing for my friend who lives in Nepal and she’s moving back there. But unfortunately where i live Bangladesh (NOT IN OR A PART OD INDIA) you can’t find Savogliardi’s. And the Tiramisu recipe i was using needed 30 cookies. Then i found yours! Thanks so much. I love you!! xx
P.S.- I’m just 14 and i’m glad this is easy!
The tiramisu recipe i’m using is made by another girl maned Laura (vitale). Haha.
So glad the recipe came in handy for you. Thanks for the sweet comment!