My Motto

May the muffin rise to greet you, may your friends be always at your door, and until we meet again, warm a single-malt in the palm of your hand and make something homemade for someone you love.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Chocolate Mousse

"Once we hit forty, women only have about four taste buds left: one for vodka, one for wine, one for cheese and one for chocolate."
~Gina Barreca
February 14, 1986.  That's the anniversary of the first time I made this mousse.  I've made it once a year ever since, either on Christmas Eve or Valentine's Day.

It's got a great light consistency that sets up after it is chilled for a couple hours and it will keep nicely for up to four days, making it a fine dessert for entertaining, since you could prepare it ahead of time.  This perfectly chocolaty dessert is crave-inducing.  Be careful.  

Chocolate Mousse

One 12-ounce bag good quality semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup prepared espresso coffee
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
2 egg yolks
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
4 egg whites, room temperature
pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(optional: one cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar to whip and use as garnish)

Melt chocolate chips in a medium bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring.  Do not let the bowl touch the water; stir in espresso and Grand Marnier.  Let chocolate cool just to room temperature.
Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
In a medium bowl,  whip the cream until slightly thickened, then add confectioner's sugar and beat until stiff.  In a large bowl, beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.  Fold cream into egg whites.  Add one cup of this mixture to the room temperature chocolate and stir in thoroughly to loosen it.  Pour this chocolate over the cream/egg white mixture in the large bowl.  Gently fold in until it is evenly incorporated.
Spoon into 8 to 10 individual dessert cups or a serving bowl.  Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until set.
At serving time, if desired, whip one cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of confectioner's sugar until soft peaks form.  Top each portion of mousse with a dollop of whipped cream.

14 comments:

Biren @ Roti n Rice said...

I can see why it is crave inducing! I like that quote from Gina Barreca :)

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

Haha, yeah, that quote cracked me up!

Lemons and Anchovies said...

Chocolate and espresso go so well together. I bet this is delicious!

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

@Lemons: Thanks, yes, it really is. In 25 years I haven't tweaked the recipe at all (which is unusual for me). You're right the espresso elevates the chocolate and then the Grand Marnier gives the slightest whisper of orange.

Mina @ Angellove's Cooking said...

I wish I could taste your Mousse :) looks so stunning!! Oh, and :) I love the quote :)

Cheers!

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

Thanks Mina!

Medifast Coupons said...

Beautiful mousse, this is a keeper recipe. I can understand why you keep making.

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

@Medifast: thanks! Happy you stopped by :-)

Anna Johnston said...

This sounds like one of those keep forever recipes..., every time I make a Chocolate Mousse I seem to make a new one...., this one's a keeper. Thanks Margaret :)

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

You're welcome...hope you like it as much as we do!

Mary Bergfeld said...

This looks absolutely delicious. This is my first visit to your blog, so I spent some time browsing through your earlier posts. I really like the food and recipes you feature here and I'll definitely be back to keep up with what you've been cooking. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

@Mary: Thank you so much. I've actually visited your blog in the past. Great recipes. I'm really happy you stopped here. :-)

ping said...

Hello Margaret. I'm glad you found me because I can now enjoy your blog as well! I love the little quotes you have on each post. Some of them are hilarious. Esp love the 40 cloves of garlic and getting the bus seat :D
Oh btw, I'm having a little virtual potluck party and would like to invite you. I know it's short notice but it's isn't too late. Will be happy to have your contribution.

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

Thanks Ping! Re: the potluck...just let me know what to do!