Australian television viewers were treated to a festive culinary masterclass this week, courtesy of Sunrise personality Anna Simon. The popular host took to the airways to demonstrate how to recreate some of the internet's most talked-about holiday recipes, offering a delicious guide to brightening up the festive season.
Show-Stopping Tiramisu Layer Cake
The centrepiece of Anna's segment was an elaborate Tiramisu Layer Cake, a stunning twist on the classic Italian dessert. The recipe begins with baking both a vanilla and a chocolate packet cake mix in 20cm tins. Once cooled, each cake is carefully sliced horizontally to create multiple thin layers.
The heart of the dessert is a rich tiramisu cream, made by whisking five egg yolks with a cup of sugar until pale, then folding in 750 grams of mascarpone, vanilla bean paste, and a splash of Kahlúa or Marsala. Stiffly beaten egg whites are then gently incorporated to add lightness.
Assembly is key: a springform tin is lined with Savoiardi biscuits brushed with espresso. Layers of vanilla and chocolate cake are alternated, each brushed with more coffee and smothered with the mascarpone cream. After chilling for at least two hours or overnight, it's finished with piped whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, and an optional ribbon for a truly festive presentation.
Festive Fun with Christmas Tree Jell-O Shots
For a playful and adults-only treat, Anna presented Christmas Tree Jell-O Shots. This simple recipe involves dissolving a packet of jelly crystals in boiling water, then stirring in half a cup of vodka (optional) and half a cup of cold water. The mixture is poured into Christmas tree-shaped moulds or small cups and refrigerated for three to four hours until set. It's a quick, colourful, and fun addition to any holiday party.
Decadent Chocolate Cake with Amarena Mascarpone Cream
Rounding out the trio was a decadent Chocolate Cake with Amarena Mascarpone Cream. The recipe calls for two or three pre-baked chocolate cake layers. The luxurious filling is made by whipping cold thickened cream with icing sugar and vanilla into firm peaks, then folding it into softened mascarpone until thick. A few tablespoons of Amarena syrup can be added for extra cherry flavour.
To assemble, the cake layers are lightly brushed with the Amarena syrup before being stacked with the mascarpone cream and whole Amarena cherries. Anna advised keeping the cherries away from the edges for a cleaner slice. The cake is finished with more cream and extra cherries, then chilled before serving.
By showcasing these viral hits, Anna Simon provided Sunrise audiences with creative and impressive ideas to make this year's festive dining memorable. From the elaborate layered cake to the simple, spirited jelly shots, there's an option to suit every cook's skill level and party plan.
