Festive Sherry & Spice Tiramisu – with Harvey’s Bristol Cream!

​Hello, darlings!

Fancy something a tad sweet, rather creamy, extremely boozy, laced with coffee, rich and velvety, a touch spicy, intensely Italian, a teensy nutty, with a brush of British (namely Bristol City) – NOW BREATH! – then Miss Windsor’s Festive Sherry & Spice Tiramisu is most definitely the perfect dessert for you.

Of course, if you haven’t a clue what I’m going on about, I simply created this recipe with Amaretto Morbido (translation: Italian soft almond macaroons) or one may use the customary ingredient of ladyfingers (Savoiardi) dipped in booze enriched with espresso coffee and layered with a mascarpone cheese mouse-like filling. 

I must divulge, my preferred alcohol for this glorious dessert is in fact, one of Miss Windsor’s favourite tipples – Harvey’s Bristol Cream, which certainly adds a touch of festive flair! And before I forget, I livened up the creamy layer with a smattering of grated nutmeg, and before serving I decorated my creation with a flurry of snow-like almond flakes.

And by the way, this is my latest, rather overdue, mouth-watering addition to Mrs Simkins and Miss Windsor’s Italian Escapades – culinary collaboration.  

Darlings, I must tell you that during the grand ol’ year of 1882 Harvey’s Bristol Cream was created by John II & Edward Harvey. And for many years’ it was crafted from a blend of the finest wines imported from Jerez, Southern Spain and then bottled in Bristol City not too far from my childhood town of Backwell.

However, since the 1970’s Harvey’s Bristol Cream has been blended where Harvey’s vineyards are located – Jerez Southern Spain – such logical thinking, don’t ya think! And since the 1990s this exquisite sherry has been bottled in the illustrious Bristol Blue Glass – which is most pleasing to Miss Windsor, as it still holds a strong Bristolian connection. 

Now, moving swiftly on, I’m excited to say I’m writing this with a bit of a festive spring in one’s step! Well, first off, here in the wilderness of South East London it’s 5 o’clock in the evening and a touch dark outside. Also, there’s only a week or so to go until Christmas, therefore, I feel a rather pleasant wintery/Christmassy chill in the air, which calls for a thick coat and gloves!

Oh, and I must recount, just a shy glimpse of a bottle of Harvey’s Bristol Cream evokes many fond memories of Christmas past spent with my beloved grandmother Josie, “Aaaah!” I hear you utter with sincere affection.  

Darlings, although I’m a tad late sharing my creation following this year’s Italian summer getaway, in fact, I feel the timing couldn’t be more perfect, because in the Miss Windsor household Harvey’s Bristol Cream is only served during the festive season.

​I say, I really do follow in Grandmother Josie’s footsteps, as she only served sherry in her finest crystal glasses during the cheerful month of December, which were always lovingly housed in her splendid, retro, g-plan, 1970s display cabinet – a grand affair, indeed! 

Now, did you know that the Italian translation for tiramisu is pull me up, pull it up, lift me up, or cheer me up? A little confused? so am I! Well, according to some sources, the devilishly sexy tiramisu was actually invented in the northern Italian town of Treviso and was not only served in restaurants but also to the clientele who frequented the local brothels (Oh, I say!).

On a more sobering note, this scrumptious Italian pud is also known as the Tuscan Trifle, and according to the jolly old internet the palate-pleasing tiramisu may have derived from a similar dessert which was created in Siena, Tuscany during the 17th century. However, and for some reason or another, it really took off in the 1960s/70s and is especially popular here in the UK.

Darlings, before you toddle off to your kitchen, I must express my sheer disappointment regarding my culinary experience during a short jaunt to Pompeii! Well, my taste buds were not at all tickled by this classic Italian layered cake. Not only was my encounter a soggy one due to the unrelenting heat that affected the creamy layer, but I was also subjected to only a faint whiff of coffee; followed by the culinary crime of NO liquor!

So, following such a frightful ordeal, one dashed back to England and decided to create one’s very own version for the festive season – oozing with alcohol, of course, and generously flavoured with coffee.

Darlings, please run along now – toot sweet – and have a jolly good go at recreating my rather self-indulgent and exceedingly decadent Italian dessert – Miss Windsor’s Festive Sherry & Spice Tiramisu.

Miss Windsor x

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISS WINDSOR – EXCEPT PHOTO OF GRANDPA LARRY & GRANDMOTHER JOSIE!