Brandy Kissed Chocolate Mousse With Coconut Crumble Food

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-COVERED MAPLE BRANDY JELLIES WITH NUTS

Steps:

• For the maple cream layer: Line a 10-inch square cake pan with plastic wrap so that the plastic falls over the edges of the pan. Then place a square of parchment paper over the plastic in the bottom of the pan.
• In a small bowl, combine the gelatin with just enough water to cover and mix until incorporated. In a small saucepan bring the half-and-half to a simmer. Add the sugar and maple syrup, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the gelatin. Stir until incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan. Refrigerate until set, about 45 minutes.
• For the brandy layer: When the maple cream layer is completely set, begin on the brandy layer. In a small bowl, combine the gelatin with just enough water to cover and mix until incorporated. Bring the simple syrup to a simmer, then add the gelatin and whisk until melted together. Remove from the heat and stir in the brandy. Pour the brandy layer over the maple cream layer in the cake pan. Refrigerate until set, another 45 minutes.
• Using the plastic wrap as handles, carefully lift the layered gelatin from the cake pan. Slice into 1-inch squares. Fill a large saucepan with about 3 inches of water and bring to a boil. Fit a large glass or metal mixing bowl into the pot, making sure that the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Place the chocolate in the bowl and, using a heat resistant spatula, stir as the chocolate melts. Once fully melted, stir until a candy thermometer inserted in the chocolate reads 120 degrees F. Then pour the chocolate onto a clean, cool surface and push it back and forth with a spatula or bench scraper. You're looking to push it around to cool it down to 82 degrees F. This is tempering the chocolate. Transfer the chocolate to a clean bowl. Use a fork to dip the gelatin squares into the chocolate, tapping a bit to remove excess chocolate. Then place the squares chocolate-side up on a sheet pan fitted with a cooling rack. Repeat for the remaining gelatin squares. Garnish with the candied pecans while the chocolate is still hot so they stick to the candies.

FROZEN BRANDY MOUSSE WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Steps:

• Whisk yolks, sugar and 1/4 cup water in medium metal bowl to blend. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not let bowl touch water). Whisk until mixture registers 170°F on candy thermometer, about 4 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until cool and thick, about 6 minutes.
• Using mixer fitted with clean dry beaters, beat cream, brandy, vanilla and nutmeg in large bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold cream mixture into yolk mixture.
• Spoon mousse into 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Cover mousse and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Bring half and half to simmer in medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; whisk until smooth. (Mousse and sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Keep mousse frozen. Cover sauce and chill; rewarm over low heat.)
• Scoop mousse into parfait glasses. Spoon sauce over and serve.