Pioneer Woman Chocolate Mousse Food

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CUPS

Steps:

• Add the milk chocolate and chocolate chips to a double boiler and heat, stirring, until melted and glossy, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour the melted chocolate into a pitcher, then pour into 24 paper candy cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Leave to set slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Top 6 of the cups with a single chocolate-covered espresso bean pressed into the center. Top 6 with sprinkles and 6 with chopped toffee bars. Top the remaining 6 with a piece of Sugared Orange Peel. Leave to set fully, about 3 hours.
• Remove the orange peels carefully, avoiding the pith, then cut the peels into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
• Add the peels and 1 cup cold water to a pan, bring to a boil and cook for 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Add 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a pan. Heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is boiling. Add the peels, reduce to a simmer and cook, swirling the pan from time to time, for 20 minutes. Drain and set the peels aside to cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
• Add the remaining 1 cup sugar to a baking sheet. Add the peels and roll in the sugar to coat. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to set, about 30 minutes.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Put the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan containing about 1-inch of barely simmering water (or use a double boiler). Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and let cool slightly. Then grab a whisk and beat the egg yolks into the chocolate, 1 at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Set aside.
• In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken up. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and the vanilla and continue beating until the cream holds soft peaks.
• Now that you've got the elements prepared, put it all together. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then, fold in the whipped cream. Take care not over work the mousse or it will be heavy. Divide the mousse between 4 individual glasses, preferably Moroccan glasses. Cover and chill for several hours. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE - BAREFOOT CONTESSA - INA GARTEN

Steps:

• In a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the two chocolates, coffee, coffee powder, Grand Marnier, Armagnac, and vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature. Beat in the softened butter.
• Meanwhile, place the egg yolks and the 1/2 cup of sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed for about 5 minutes, until pale yellow; when you lift the beater, the mixture will fall back on itself in a ribbon. With the mixer on low speed, blend in the chocolate mixture. Transfer to a larger mixing bowl.
• Measure 1 cup of egg whites and freeze or discard the rest. Combine the cup of egg whites with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of the remaining sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed until stiff but not dry. Mix half of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture; then fold the rest in carefully with a rubber spatula.
• In the same bowl of the electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar until firm. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Pour the mousse into a 2-quart serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for a few hours or overnight and up to a week.
• Decorate with sweetened whipped cream just before serving.