Chocolate Mousse

A light & rich dessert. Fairly easy to make, but does need to sit in refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours. Well worth the time.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*2 cups heavy cream, chilled

*4 large egg yolks

*4 tablespoons sugar

*pinch of salt

*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

*1 tablespoon coffee, brewed strong & cooled

*8 ounces, bittersweet chocolate, chopped

• Directions:
• ~In a heavy saucepan, heat 3/4 cup cream, just until hot (not boiling).
• ~In a large metal bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, & salt together.
• ~Slowly steam, hot cream into sugar mixture, whisking until well blended.
• ~Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 160 degrees on a thermometer.
• ~Pour mixture through a 'fine mesh sieve' into a large bowl.
• ~Stir vanilla into mixture.
• ~Melt chocolate & coffee in a double boiler over very low heat, stirring often. (water should be hot, not boiling)
• ~Whisk custard mixture into chocolate and let cool.
• ~Beat 1 1/4 cups heavy cream in a mixing bowl, until it holds stiff peaks.
• ~Whisk one quarter of whip cream mixture into the chocolate custard mixture.
• ~Gently fold the remaining whip cream into chocolate custard mixture.
• ~Spoon mousse into dishes.
• ~Cover with plastic wrap.
• ~Chill for 6-8 hours.
• ~Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.