Pumpkin Tiramisu & Kids in Costume

Halloween was so much fun!  It was our first year trick or treating in Claremont; we went to the village in the afternoon and after supper with friends, around our neighborhood.  My mom made the adorable octopus legs for the baby and her costume was a huge hit . . . there's something about babies dressed like animals that's adorable.  Little kids would come up and squeeze her legs to see if they were real and one kid asked if she was a spider.  I guess we could also have done 8 black legs and made a spider!  Middle was so excited to see other costumes and when she saw another Disney princess (which happened quite a bit) she would say "Oh, look, you're my friend!"  She's convinced that the Disney princesses are all friends and hang out together somewhere (maybe Disneyland?).  Big told me it was "the best day ever" because of all the candy . . . but without being asked, she counted out her 10 pieces this morning and handed over the rest.  I let her "trade" her candy to me for a new DVD.  

On to today's recipe - "Tiramisu" is being used very loosely here - there is no espresso or coffee flavor - but the structure is similar with layers of lady fingers with a whipped mascarpone filling.  When I saw boxes of lady fingers at Trader Joe's, I was inspired to make something with them and this was the result.  It turned out delicious and I'll be making it again.  A bonus was that by substituting apple cider for the traditional espresso or rum, it's kid-friendly.  I used the Spiced Apple Cider from Trader Joe's and if you opt for plain apple cider, consider adding a half teaspoon or so of pumpkin pie spice to the cider as well.  The dessert has to set up overnight, so it's a good option to make ahead for a holiday gathering!

Pumpkin Tiramisu (8-10 servings)

adapted from Bon Appetit 11/06

1.5 cups chilled whipping cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 (8oz) container mascarpone cheese
1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree
3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 (3oz) packages lady fingers
1/4 cup apple cider
2 oz crushed ginger snaps or amaretti cookies

Beat whipping cream and sugar until peaks form.  Add mascarpone cheese, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice; beat just until filling is smooth.

Line bottom of 9 inch diameter springform pan with 1 package ladyfingers, overlapping and crowding to fit.  Brush the ladyfingers with half of the apple cider.  Spread half of the filling over the lady fingers.

Repeat with more lady fingers, remaining apple cider, and remaining filling.  Smooth the top.  Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil and chill overnight.

To unmold, run knife around the inside edge of pan.  Release the pan sides; sprinkle with crushed cookies.