FROZEN MOCHA MOUSSE
Makes 12 mini servings
This dessert is quick, easy and must be made in advance. It is a lovely finish to an elegant meal. I like to serve this dessert in 1/4 cup size ramekins (pots de crème).
INGREDIENTS
• 4 ounces high quality imported semi-sweet chocolate (I like to use Scharffen Berger’s 70% cacao) – 2 ounces broken into small pieces and 2 ounces chopped finely. (See Note 1)
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 4 large eggs separated, at room temperature (discard 2 yolks, see Note 2)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 1/4 generous cup sugar
Preparation
1. Place 2 ounces of the chocolate, espresso powder and 2 tablespoons hot water in the top part of a double boiler. Cover and set over simmering water. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted.
2. Whisk in 2 egg yolks until well combined.
3. Remove the top part of double boiler.
4. Beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add sugar while still beating the egg whites until the whites are stiff.
5. In a chilled bowl (see Note 3) beat cream until it holds soft peaks.
6. With a rubber spatula fold one third of the whites into the chocolate until well combined. Than reverse the process, fold the chocolate mixture into the whites, add the chopped chocolate and the cream. Combine gently.
7. Spoon the mousse evenly into the ramekins. Cover with cling wrap and freeze for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
To serve
Take out ramekins from freezer and leave for 10 minutes in refrigerator before serving, if you like to serve this dessert cold. If you prefer it more like a mousse then leave it in the refrigerator longer.
Notes
1. I use a mini food processor to chop the chocolate finely.
2. In order for the egg yolks not to break, separate the eggs when they are cold, but beat the whites when they are at room temperature.
3. It is easier to beat heavy cream in a chilled metal bowl. I leave mine in the freezer.