Alternative names Savoiardi Course Dessert | ||
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Similar Tiramisu, Mascarpone, Biscuit, Sponge cake, Whipped cream | ||
Ladyfingers (often called with their original Italian name, savoiardi, or sponge fingers in British English) are low density, dry, egg-based and sweet sponge biscuits roughly shaped like a large finger. They are a principal ingredient in many dessert recipes, such as trifles, charlottes, as fruit or chocolate gateau linings and for tiramisu. They are typically soaked in a sugar syrup or liqueur, coffee or espresso for the dessert tiramisu. They are also commonly given to infants, being soft enough for teething mouths but easy to grasp and firm enough not to fall apart.
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History
Ladyfingers originated in the late 15th century at the court of the Duchy of Savoy and were created to mark the occasion of a visit by the King of France. Later they were given the name Savoiardi and recognized as an "official" court biscuit. They were particularly appreciated by the young members of the court and offered to visitors as a symbol of the local cuisine.
Name
They have gained many regional names:
Preparation
Like other sponge cakes, ladyfingers traditionally contain no chemical leavening agent, and rely on air incorporated into the eggs for their "sponge" texture. However, some brands contain ammonium bicarbonate. The egg whites and egg yolks mixed with sugar are typically beaten separately and folded together with flour. They contain more flour than the average sponge cake. The mixture is piped through a pastry bag in short lines onto sheets, giving the biscuits their notable shape.
Before baking, powdered sugar is usually sifted over the top to give a soft crust. The finished ladyfingers are usually layered into a dessert such as tiramisu or trifle.
