Christina Maria’s Tiramisu Keeps Alfano Family Tradition Going

If you shop at and hurried past a smiling woman with samples of tiramisu in her hand then you’ve missed a real treat. Not only have you passed up a fantastic taste experience, but you’ve missed out on meeting an entrepreneur who really knows her business.

"Interacting with customers and getting their reaction to your hard work" is what keeps Christina Maria Alfano and her husband going. Making a living in the food business is difficult for a small family run organization if you strictly adhere to fresh and home made principals like they do.

The Alfanos had a small Italian restaurant, and then expanded to upscale European-American fare. No matter what they did, their families and friends always asked them to bring tiramisu. The economy took its toll, the restaurant had to be closed but the tiramisu remained a hit. 

The Alfanos put their heads together and came up with an alternate plan. They stayed with the basics of keeping it simple, fresh and homemade, but this time they decided to focus on one winner – tiramisu. "This is a rebirth from loss, and a chance to work together with my husband," Alfano says.

A long Italian heritage on the part of the chefs does not guarantee authentic flavor, but it's a good start. You really need to try this classic dessert to judge for yourself. Customers who have stopped and tried a sample have remarked, "It tastes like my aunt’s" or "I haven’t had anything this good since my mom stopped baking."

Alfano does not need to take credit. "Take it out of the container and put it on your own plates – no one will know," she laughs. For a fancier serving suggestion she recommends putting half a slice into a martini glass and garnishing with a mint sprig or a berry.

Christina Maria’s tiramisu is available in Heinen’s stores in the cold case dessert area. Look for seasonal flavors and keep in mind that it can be easily frozen for up to six months. Have some on hand for when company drops in or you feel like a special treat.