Moms Old Fashioned Chocolate Mousse Recipes

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Break the chocolate into small pieces directly into the bowl. Microwave it in 20-second intervals, stirring between each bout of heat, until the chocolate is about 75% melted. Stir, allowing the residual heat in the bowl to melt the chocolate completely. (Alternatively, place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan containing about 1 inch of barely simmering water. Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.) Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form (the peaks should be just starting to hold, and will melt back into themselves after a second). Gradually beat in ¼ cup of the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form (the peaks will stand straight up when the beaters are lifted from the mixture). Using a large rubber spatula, fold the egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture until uniform. Set aside.
• In another bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken up. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla and continue beating until the cream holds medium peaks (when you lift the beaters or whisk out of the bowl, the peaks will slightly droop down, but they won't lose their shape entirely). Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Be sure it is fully incorporated but don't mix any more than necessary. Divide the mousse between 6 individual glasses, cover, and chill until set, at least 2 hours.
• Up to a few hours before serving, whip the cream until it begins to thicken up. Add the sugar and whip to medium peaks. Dollop the whipped cream over the mousse and top with chocolate shavings.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: Mousse can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Cover with plastic wrap and keep chilled in the refrigerator. Add whipped cream topping and chocolate shavings up to a few hours before serving.
• Note: Chocolate mousse is made with raw eggs. If that is a concern, try to find pasteurized eggs. Pasteurized eggs have been briefly exposed to heat to destroy any potential bacteria. Whole Foods usually carries them but call your local store to be sure before making a special trip. (Note: eating raw eggs is not advisable for pregnant women, babies, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.)

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• For the mousse: Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Remove and allow to cool a little.
• Add the cream to a large bowl and start to whip using a hand mixer. Slowly add the sugar and continue to whip until you have stiff peaks, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Place the egg yolks in a pitcher, add the vanilla and whisk together by hand.
• Temper the egg yolks by adding a little of the melted chocolate to them and whisking together. Pour the yolks into the bowl of melted chocolate and stir in gently.
• Fold three-fourths of the whipped cream into the chocolate, reserving the rest.
• Divide between 4 serving glasses.
• Gently fold the raspberry preserves into the reserved whipped cream until you achieve a swirled appearance. Spoon some of the swirled whipped cream on top of the mousse in each glass.
• Place the glasses into the fridge and chill for 1 hour. Remove from the fridge and decorate with Marbled Chocolate Curls before serving.
• Add the semi-sweet and white chocolate to separate small microwave-safe bowls or pitchers. Add 2 teaspoons of the coconut oil to each. Pop in the microwave together for 1 minute. Stir each until smooth, microwaving for another 10 to 15 seconds, if needed, to fully melt the chocolate.
• Lay a sheet pan on the counter upside down. Start by pouring the white chocolate in a zig-zag pattern over the underside of the cookie sheet; do not get too close to the edges. Repeat with the semi-sweet chocolate, making sure to fill the holes where there is no white chocolate. Using an offset spatula or knife, spread the chocolates in a very thin layer, then stick the sheet pan in the freezer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key!
• After a few minutes, check the chocolate by pressing it with your finger; it should leave only the slightest mark, but not an actual depression.
• Using a somewhat sharp-edged spatula, scrap the chocolate from the bottom of the pan. If the chocolate is the correct temperature, it should begin to curl. If the chocolate is breaking, it is too cold so let it sit for a few seconds to warm, then try again. If it gets too soft, stick it back in the freezer for a minute.
• Pretty soon you will have some pretty marbled chocolate curls. Use as a garnish immediately on chilled desserts or immediately transfer to a cold plate and place back in the freezer to harden. Store in an airtight container in the freezer until you need them. The curls are perfect for topping your favorite pies, cakes or elevating a simple fruit platter.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Whip the cream to soft peaks and add about 1/3 of the melted chocolate. Fold gently with a rubber spatula. Mix the remaining chocolate into the whipped cream. Mix only until combined, as you will deflate the cream if you overmix. Place the mousse in a large pastry bag and pipe into decorative serving cups.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Place chocolate and hot water in the top of a double boiler, set over simmering waster, and heat and stir until chocolate is melted. Lightly beat yolks, add a little hot mixture, then stir back into pan and heat and stir over simmering water 1-2 minutes until no raw taste of eggs remains. Off heat, mix in vanilla. Beat cream until very thick and glossy (it should almost form soft peaks)and fold into chocolate mixture. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form and fold in, a little at a time, until no flecks of white show. Spoon into a serving dish, cover and chill at least 12 hours. Scatter with chocolate curls, if you like, just before serving.

MOM'S CHOCOLATE MERINGUE PIE

Steps:

• Mix together sugar, cocoa, corn starch and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually mix in milk. Cook and stir over medium high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to medium low; cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove pan from heat. Stir about one cup of the hot filling into the egg yolks; mix back into the custard. Return saucepan to heat, and bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in vanilla. Pour hot filing into crust.
• In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, and continue to beat until stiff and glossy. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing meringue to crust.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden.