Pats Favorite Chocolate Mousse 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.)

PATTI LABELLE'S CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• whisk rum extract into half and half.
• whisk in pudding mix.
• fold all but 4 tbsp topping into the mix.
• divide evenly among 4 dessert cups.
• refrigerate 20 minutes, or up to 2 days.
• garnish each dish with 1 tbsp topping.

THE BEST CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Combine the chocolate and milk in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan of simmering water. Heat, stirring often, until the chocolate melts. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
• Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until thick and creamy. Whisk in the chocolate mixture.
• Whip the cream in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Add the chocolate mixture and fold together just until combine. Using clean beaters, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Stir some of the whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the rest.
• Spoon into individual dishes. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, until chilled. Garnish with grated chocolate and serve chilled.
• variations:.