Root Mousse Recipes

ROOT MOUSSE

Steps:

• Peel and rinse all the root veggies.
• They need to be cut up and are all going into the pot at the same time, so the ones that take longer to cook need to be cut smaller than the rest. My recommendation is to cut turnips and rutabagas very small, no more than 1/2" thick. If you choose to use carrots, you don't need to use too many, just enough to add a little color to the overall mixture. They should also be no larger than 1/2" Thick. Parsnips 1" thick. Potatoes can be up to 2" thick.
• Place cut-up veggies into a large pot and add water to cover. Add the bouillon or cured pork product at this time as well.
• Bring to a boil over high heat then turn down to low and allow to simmer.
• Continue cooking until the potatoes fall apart (a long time). The best way to do it is DON'T add any water unless some of the veggies are still firm -- in the end you want them to be very soft but not swimming in liquid.
• Once they are all soft and enough liquid gone that they could be the same consistency as mashed potatoes, stop cooking. If not, just keep cooking until the liquid boils off. We aren't going to drain these and you can't really overcook them.
• When done as described above, use a potato masher or do like I do, get out the electric mixer and start whipping. If you cooked it with a ham shank you'll have to remove it first.
• Taste & add any salt and pepper if necessary and whip again.

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.)

SCANDINAVIAN ROTMOS (SIDE DISH WITH RUTABAGAS AND POTATOES)

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring water, allspice, peppercorns, and salt to a boil.
• Peel and finely chop the rutabagas and carrots. Add to the pot.
• Reduce temp to a low boil and cook for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the potatoes.
• After the 15 minutes is up, add the potatoes and cook an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes rutabagas, and carrots, adding just enough cooking water to get a creamy purée.
• Place in a serving bowl, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg, and top with butter.

CHEF JOHN'S DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Bring a saucepan of water to a simmer over low heat. Place chocolate, butter, 2 tablespoons water, ground chipotle pepper, and salt in a heatproof bowl; set bowl over the simmering water. When the butter melts, whisk the chocolate mixture gently until smooth and shiny. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
• Whisk egg yolks, 2 tablespoons water, and sugar in another heatproof bowl over the same pan of simmering water until egg yolk mixture is foamy and hot to the touch, about 3 minutes. Pour hot egg mixture into warm chocolate mixture, whisk until smooth, and set over a bowl of ice to chill. Whisk constantly until mixture has cooled to room temperature or slightly cooler.
• Pour 1/2 cup and 1 tablespoon cold cream into a chilled metal bowl; whisk until cream holds soft peaks. Place about half the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture; gently fold the cream into the chocolate. Repeat with remaining half of whipped cream, folding gently until nearly all the streaks have disappeared. Divide mousse into 4 6-ounce ramekins.
• Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours (up to overnight) before serving.