Here is a lovely, easy cake to make for Valentines Day. You will adore it and so will your other half!
A Barefoot Contessa gem.
Serves 8
2 cups cold heavy cream
12 oz Italian mascarpone cheese
1.2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Kahlua liqueur
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti
1 tsp instant espresso powder
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Three 8-ounce packages Tate’s Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies
Shaved semi sweet chocolate, for garnish
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, Kahlua, cocoa powder, espresso powder and vanilla. Mix on low speed to combine and then slowly raise the speed until it forms firm peaks.
To assemble the cake, arrange a layer of chocolate chip cookies in an 8 inch springform pan, covering the bottom as much as possible. (You can break some to fill in the empty spaces)
Spread a 1/5 of the mocha whipped cream evenly over the cookies.
Place another layer of cookies on top, lying flat and touching, followed by another 1/5 of the cream.
Continue layering cookies and cream until there are 5 layers of each, ending with a layer of cream.
Smooth the top, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Run a small sharp knife around the outside of the cake and remove the sides of the pan.
Sprinkle the top with the shaved chocolate, cut in wedges and serve cold