This airy dessert surprises with its bits of chocolate and almond. You can use 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips and your guests will love it, but you can also go all out with an artisanal chocolate bar (such as Scharffen Berger) and be rewarded with amazing chocolatey flavor.

Steps

1. Boil sugar and water together in a saucepan for three minutes. Set aside.
2. Using a blender or food processor, break up chocolate into nib-sized pieces. Add sugar/water mixture, rum, and egg yolks to the bits of chocolate and mix well.
3. Add the almonds and mix until they are broken up.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until peaks are formed. Carefully fold the chocolate-almond mixture into the whipped cream and blend only until the ingredients are combined.
5. Pour mixture into 8 custard cups or 1 larger serving dish. Chill about 3 hours. Just before serving, garnish with sliced or slivered almonds or shaved chocolate.