Mix 1/2 cup sugar, egg yolks and marscarpone cheese together until smooth and a pale yellow color appears.

Combine brandy, 1/4 cup sugar and coffee and set aside.

Beat egg whites until firm peaks are acquired.x9

Fold egg whites into cheese, egg and sugar mixture.

In a 12x9 pan, layer the bottom completely with lady fingers. Next lightly drizzle the coffee/brandy mixture over the ladyfingers

covering them. Spread a layer of the egg mixture completely covering the ladyfingers. Finally, drizzle the top of the egg mixture with cocoa powder and repeat until you reach the top of the pan. (normally about 2-3 layers)

(For a stronger taste, drench the lady fingers in the coffee/brandy mixture.)