Caramelized Fresh Pineapple Tiramisu

Preparation

1. For coffee, tea, and cognac flavoring:

   Step 1

   Place coffee filter in strainer set over medium bowl. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Mix in coffee and tea. Turn off heat; cover and let steep 5 minutes. Strain mixture through coffee filter. Stir in Cognac. Cool completely.

2. For cognac sabayon:

   Step 2

   Whisk yolks, cream, 4 tablespoons sugar, and salt in medium metal bowl to blend. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water and whisk until mixture is thick and thermometer registers 160°F, about 5 minutes. Remove from over water. Place over larger bowl of ice and water. Cool quickly, whisking often, about 5 minutes.

   Step 3

   Stir mascarpone in large bowl to loosen texture. Fold in cooled yolk mixture in 3 additions, then fold in Cognac. Beat whites in medium bowl until soft peaks form. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until stiff but not dry; fold into sabayon in 3 additions. Cover; chill up to 1 day.

3. For caramelized pineapple:

   Step 4

   Combine pineapple, sugar, and salt in large nonstick skillet. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Stir over medium heat until sugar melts and syrup forms. Continue cooking until syrup is absorbed and pineapple is dry and golden, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes; cool completely.

   Step 5

   Cover bottom of 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with layer of ladyfingers. Brush with coffee flavoring. Spread with half of sabayon (about 3 cups). Scatter half of pineapple over. Repeat with ladyfingers, flavoring, sabayon, and pineapple. Cover; chill overnight.

   Step 6

   Sprinkle tiramisù generously with grated chocolate and garnish with fresh pineapple, if desired. Cut into squares or spoon onto plates and serve.

4. Step 7

   *An Italian cream cheese; sold at many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Italian markets.