Here’s a straightforward recipe to make chocolate mousse:

Here’s a straightforward recipe to make chocolate mousse:

Ingredients:

• 200g (about 7 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Melt Chocolate:
   • Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it gently. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method), or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Whip Cream:
   • In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. Do not overwhip. Set aside.
3. Beat Egg Yolks:
   • In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and creamy.
4. Whip Egg Whites:
   • In a separate, clean and dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
5. Combine:
   • Mix the melted chocolate into the beaten egg yolks. Then, fold in one-third of the whipped cream to lighten the mixture.
   • Gently fold in half of the beaten egg whites until just incorporated, then fold in the remaining whites.
   • Fold in the remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
6. Chill:
   • Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or jars. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until set.
7. Serve:
   • Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Optionally, you can garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder just before serving.

Tips:

• Ensure Freshness: Since this recipe uses raw eggs, ensure they are very fresh and from a reliable source to minimize health risks.
• Chocolate Quality: The quality of the chocolate directly influences the flavor of your mousse, so choose a good quality dark chocolate that you enjoy eating.

Enjoy crafting this luxurious chocolate mousse, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at a dinner party!