Spiced 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:

• Prepare the pudding in a large bowl using 1 1/2 cups milk instead of the suggested 2 cups.
• Fold in the whipped topping until blended. Refrigerate until chilled and serve.

SPICED CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave; set aside. In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 cup whipping cream until soft peaks form. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese for about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add corn syrup, rum, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in melted chocolate, scraping the sides of the bowl several times; beat until combined. Add remaining 1/4 cup cream and beat until thoroughly combined. Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Divide equally between 8 small wine glasses and chill for at least 4 hours. Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate before serving, if desired.