Chocolate Velvet Cream Food

GORDON'S CHOCOLATE VELVET

Steps:

• For the dark chocolate mousse, break the chocolate into a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water and heat until just melted. Remove and cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, put the egg yolks, sugar and 3 tbsp cold water in a large bowl (the water slackens the mixture and stops it from going too thick). Using a hand-held electric whisk, beat to a thick, pale yellow foam that holds a trail when the beaters are lifted up, about 2-3 minutes. This is called a sabayon.
• Now whip the cream and milk together in another bowl, using a large balloon whisk if possible (so you are less likely to overwhip). Beat until the mixture starts to become foamy and holds a soft shape - don't overbeat.
• When the melted chocolate is the same temperature as the sabayon and whipped cream, pour the sabayon gently into the cooled chocolate and, using a plastic spatula, fold the two together until completely mixed in. Tip the whipped cream gently into the chocolate sabayon mixture, and using a large metal spoon, gently fold together using a figure-of-eight action. Don't worry if you have a few white flecks, that's better than overmixing. Chill while you do the base.
• Break up the wafers in a bowl and, using the top of a rolling pin, crush roughly (not too fine).
• Melt the white chocolate as before, then mix into the crushed wafers.
• Peel the mango using a sharp knife. Cut off 18 thin slices.
• Divide half the white chocolate base mixture between six small glasses. Stick three mango slices down the side of each glass. then pipe the mousse using a piping bag fitted with a wide plain nozzle, about 2cm (or use a spoon) to fill a third of the glass. Spoon in another layer of white chocolate base mix and repeat with the last of the mousse. Scatter a few flaked almonds on top. Chill for an hour or two, until set.

CHOCOLATE VELVET

Steps:

• If desired, rim the glass with chocolate: pour some ground chocolate onto a small plate. Roll the outer rim edge of the champagne flute in the chocolate.
• Pour the stout into the glass, taking care to make as little foam as possible. (The best way to do this: tilt the glass and pour the beer slowly down the inside of the glass.) Slowly pour Prosecco down over the back of a spoon and into the glass, layering the two alcohols for a dramatic cocktail. Drink.

CHOCOLATE VELVET ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Chop chocolate. In a heavy saucepan whisk together sugar and cocoa powder until combined and whisk in cream and milk. Bring mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. In a bowl beat yolks until smooth. Add hot cream mixture to yolks in a slow stream, whisking, and pour into pan. Cook custard over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until a thermometer registers 170° F. Remove pan from heat and add chopped chocolate, whisking until melted. Pour custard through a sieve into a clean bowl and cool. Chill custard, its surface covered with plastic wrap, at least 3 hours, or until cold, and up to 1 day.
• Transfer custard to bowl of a standing electric mixer and beat just until thick and fluffy. Freeze custard in an ice-cream maker. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden. Ice cream may be made 1 week ahead.