The elaborate, decadent Italian dessert known as tiramisu has become an international favorite. Serves six people.

Steps:
1. Place 1/2 cup freshly ground dark-roast coffee in a coffee maker. Pour in 1 1/3 cups water in and turn on. Let the coffee maker complete its cycle and then set aside.

2. Whisk the egg whites together in a large bowl until foamy. Add two tbsp. sugar gradually while whisking until the egg whites form moist, stiff peaks.

3. Whisk the yolks together with the remaining sugar in a separate bowl until bubbly. Whisk in the mascarpone and the rum.

4. Gently fold the egg white mixture in with the yolk mixture. Set aside.

5. Place the ladyfingers in a layer across the bottom of a serving dish. Drizzle the hot coffee evenly over the ladyfingers and set aside to cool.

6. When the dish has cooled, add the egg/cheese mixture in an even layer over the top. Sprinkle the shaved chocolate over and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Tips:
- Mascarpone is a creamy, sweet Italian cheese - you can find it in the refrigerated cheese or gourmet cheese section of many supermarkets, and also in Italian markets or delis.
- Make sure the coffee is espresso. Also, there are two types of ladyfingers: Savoiardi and Pavesini. Pavesini are the traditional ones but Savoiardi are also used a lot.

Warnings:
This recipe contains raw eggs. Although the risk of salmonella poisoning from properly stored eggs is small, those more susceptible to illness, such as elderly people, pregnant women, and small children, may want to avoid raw eggs.