How to Make Tiramisu

Giada's tiramisu is made with ladyfingers dipped in espresso that are then layered with a whipped mascarpone mixture and topped with chocolate shavings. Not by coincidence, it's Italian for "pick-me-up."

Set out (counterclockwise from top left) ladyfingers, espresso and dark rum combo, ground espresso, bittersweet chocolate shavings and the mascarpone mixture. To prepare the mixture, beat egg yolks and sugar using an electric mixer until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.

In a small shallow dish, add remaining espresso and rum. Dip each ladyfinger into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart.

Place the soaked ladyfingers on the bottom of a baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit well.