FRENCH VANILLA TIRAMISU

TIRAMISU
1 8-oz pkg light cream cheese, softened (neufchatel cheese has a much less "creamy cheesy" taste, so works better.) OR mascarpone cheese.

3 cups cold milk

2 pkg. (4-serving size) French Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

2 pkgs. (7 oz. each) ladyfingers OR 3 pkgs (6-piece) of sponge cakes/dessert cups cut into squares,

2-3 cups strongly brewed coffee, cooled

1 16-oz. tub of Cool Whip
Kahlua, optional

Amaretto, optional
cocoa powder for dusting
and dark chocolate, grated, for garnish

Beat light cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of the milk; add one dry pudding package, beating well. Add the rest of the milk, and the last package of dry pudding mix; beat on low speed 1 min. or until well blended. Stir in a few glugs of Amaretto and Kahlua. Gently stir in Cool Whip, reserving one cup or so for the top layer.

Quickly dip about half of the ladyfingers or sponge cake squares with coffee; place them on the bottom of deep 9X13" dish. (OR three loaf pans works really well, also.) Top with 1/2 of the pudding mixture; dip the remaining lady fingers in the coffee and top with the remaining pudding mixture. Spread the reserved whipped cream on top. Dust with cocoa powder. Top with grated chocolate.

Refrigerate 8 hours or until ready to serve. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.