Ingredients:

•     1      pound  fine quality bittersweet chocolate
•     1      cup      heavy whipping cream
•     2      tb        dark rum or other liqueur -- optional
•     4                 egg whites
•   1/2    cup      sugar
•                        garnish:chocolate shavings

Direction:

 Cut the chocolate finely and set aside.

 In a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil and remove from heat. Add the
 chocolate and let stand a few minutes; whisk smooth and pour into a
 large bowl. Whisk in the liqueur and cool to room temperature.

 In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites and sugar and place over a pan of
 simmering water, whisking constantly, until egg whites are hot and
 sugar is dissolved. Whip on mixer until cooled and risen in volume -
 do not overbeat until egg whites are dry.

 Fold meringue into chocolate mixture, and place in bowls or glasses.
 Garnish with chocolate shavings just before serving.

 Yield: 4 to 6 servings