Chocolate Mousse With Banana Puree And Grated Coconut Recipes

THE BEST CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Whip 1 cup of the heavy cream to soft peaks in a medium bowl (see Cook's Note). Set aside.
• Add the egg, egg yolks, sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, salt and 1 tablespoon water to a medium heatproof bowl and whisk to combine. Set the bowl over a medium saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water). Whisk constantly until the mixture is pale, hot to the touch and has almost doubled in volume, about 4 to 6 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula, if necessary. Remove from the heat and continue whisking until cooled, about 2 minutes.
• Put the chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and set over the saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water). Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and gently stir for about 3 minutes to cool slightly.
• Whisk the egg mixture into the melted chocolate in 3 additions until combined. (The mixture may get very thick.) Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in 3 additions until it is fully incorporated. It is important that the chocolate mixture is not warm to ensure that it combines smoothly with the whipped cream without seizing up.
• Divide the chocolate mousse among four 4-ounce ramekins and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
• Whip the remaining 3/4 cup cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Top each chocolate mousse with whipped cream and serve. (For a softer texture, allow the ramekins to sit at room temperature while you whip the cream.)

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH BANANA PUREE AND GRATED COCONUT

Steps:

• Peel bananas; cut into large pieces. Place in a saucepan with champagne and 1/4 cup sugar. Bring to a boil; reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook, partially covered, until very soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor; blend until smooth. Set aside to cool. Chill until ready to serve, up to 6 hours ahead.
• Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir until melted; set aside.
• Place eggs and remaining 3/4 cup sugar in another heat-proof bowl; whisk until combined. Place over simmering water; whisk until warm. Remove bowl from heat, and whisk until the mixture is pale and thick. Whisk in the melted chocolate.
• Place cream in a clean stainless-steel bowl, and whisk until stiff peaks form. Fold cream into chocolate mixture.
• Place about 2 tablespoons of banana puree in individual serving dishes; top with a dollop (about 1/2 cup) of mousse. Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 4 hours in advance. Garnish with coconut.