Authentic Tiramisu

Beat 1 tablespoon espresso, ½ cup sugar, egg yolks, and brandy together in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in mascarpone cheese until well blended, 3 to 5 minutes.

Beat egg whites and 1 pinch sugar in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; gently fold into mascarpone mixture. Set aside.

Pour remaining espresso into a shallow dish. Dip 1 side of each ladyfinger into espresso; arrange on a serving platter in two horizontal rows of 6 ladyfingers, plus 1 ½ ladyfingers in opposite directions on both ends to form a rectangular shape.

Spread ½ mascarpone mixture onto ladyfingers; dust with ½ cocoa powder. Top with remaining ½ each ladyfingers dipped in espresso, mascarpone mixture, and cocoa powder.

Refrigerate tiramisu until ladyfingers have softened, 2 to 3 hours.