Things my M.I.L. Taught Me - Week 4

It's here.

The best week of all.

Better than one, two, and three combined.

Tiramisu (tiramisu) (I kid)
Ingredients:
4 eggs
400-500 gram package of italian lady fingers
450 grams of mascarpone cheese 
3/4 cup of sugar
1 cup of espresso 
1/3 cup of dark rum
100 grams of grated semi-sweet chocolate
2 tbsp of cocoa
1 tsp of lemon extract

STEP 1: Separate the eggs into two bowls. Beat egg whites until stiff and set aside.
Beat egg yolks with sugar until thick and light. Add the mascarpone cheese and beat until mixed well. Add lemon extract.
At this point, fold in the egg white mixture.
STEP 2: Prepare espresso and combine with rum. In a large (preferably glass) serving dish, place first layer of lady fingers. Spoon the espresso/rum over cookies until moistened. Spread half of the mixture onto the cookies. Sprinkle with cocoa and chocolate. 
Note: I recently found this incredible product made by Ghirardelli that combines the two. No grating required!  
Repeat STEP 2. Cover the top layer completely with cocoa and chocolate - you should see minimal mixture peeking through.
Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate.

Other than gelato {duh}, tiramisu is my very favorite italian dessert.
I was always hesitant to try it because it seemed so complicated. It's really not. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is a process and the steps must be followed in order for it to turn out correctly. I also can't stress the importance of buying the VERY BEST mascarpone you can find. 
Ideally from Italy. More ideally, by Galbani. 
OK, now I'm starting to SOUND like my M.I.L. 
It's a good thing.
As is this tiramisu.
Buon Appetito!