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Recently I browsed for tiramisu recipes where ricotta replaces the mascarpone.

In this particular (italian) recipe the sabayon is started by adding hot syrup to whipped yolks: I have always mixed crystal sugar to yolks.

What is the point of using hot syrup instead of sugar?

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    It's not "hot melted sugar", The recipe calls for a syrup (made with sugar and water) in un pentolino versate lo zucchero, unite l’acqua (17), mescolate leggermente per far inumidire lo zucchero, poi scaldate lo sciroppo a fuoco moderato avendo cura di inserire un termometro per alimenti così da monitorare la temperatura che dovrà raggiungere i 121°. The reason is to make the sabayon firmer, like an italian meringue. – roetnig Apr 20 '17 at 7:14
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For sabayon, you have to cook the eggs to hold the foam. Normally, you first mix air into the (cold) sugar and yolk, then heat on a water bath. This looks like an alternative method for heating the yolks, similar to the Italian method for meringue.

I haven't used it, so cannot tell you how much it differs. If it behaves like Italian meringue, it will probably produce a slightly more stable foam, but with less volume, and will taste sweeter.

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  • The sweetness depends on the sugar contents, not matter if it's granulated sugar, confectioner's sugar or a sugar syrup. – roetnig Apr 20 '17 at 7:16
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    @roetnig no, the method of preparation also matters. There can be many different reasons behind it (e.g. needing more sugar to achieve the same texture, or having a denser foam so you have more sugar per bite, etc.) Empirically, Italian meringue is sweeter than French meringue. – rumtscho♦ Apr 20 '17 at 11:48
  • If the quantity of sugar is the same, you will perceive the same sweetness. The differences using regular, caster, confectioners sugar or syrup in different states of hardness is the structure, the texture, etc. But the amount of sugar is what gives the sweetness. – roetnig Apr 20 '17 at 11:51
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    First, no, you will perceive different sweetness at the same amount. Taste is not simple linear sensing of chemistry. Second, different methods are likely to require different amounts too. – rumtscho♦ Apr 20 '17 at 11:58
  • Whatever.. I won't discuss what is evident. Try it yourself. – roetnig Apr 20 '17 at 12:03

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