Simply Chocolate Mousse 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.)

EASY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high heat speed until thick and bright yellow.
• Heat 1 cup cream in a medium saucepan until just at a simmer, then slowly whisk about half of the hot cream into the yolk-sugar mixture to temper it. Slowly add the remaining hot cream, then transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes (do not boil).
• Add the semisweet chocolate to a bowl and slowly pour the egg-sugar-cream mixture over it. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and melted, then add the vanilla and salt. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
• Beat the the confectioners' sugar with the remaining 1 1/2 cups cream in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it just holds stiff peaks. Reserve 1/2 cup for garnish. Gently but thoroughly fold the remaining whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Spoon the mousse into a piping bag, then pipe the mousse into 6 teacups. Dollop the reserved whipped cream on top and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate covered almonds and serve.

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Break up chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour water over chocolate and microwave at 50% power for 2 minutes. Remove and stir until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.
• Place heavy cream into a mixing bowl and mix with an electric stand mixer's whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Fold chocolate mixture into cream using a rubber spatula until mixture is uniform. Place immediately into a serving dish.
• Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Mousse can be spooned or sliced.