Mousse au Chocolat
Nothing says romance like homemade Mousse au Chocolat!
Especially when it’s an easy recipe with only 5 basic ingredients. Because who said you have to be in the kitchen all day to make something special?
In fact, I have a few more easy recipes to share with you this week that will not only impress your Valentine, but also give you time to actually do your hair and make up. Tell me, when was the last time that happened?
Just kidding. That is just me projecting MY life on you! I rarely have time for hair and make up. Usually, I have to pick one of the two. So either you’ll see me rocking a fabulous hairdo or wearing lipstick. Don’t expect both!???
I’m very particular about my Mousse au Chocolat, which is why it took me a while playing with this recipe until I was satisfied.
For me, good chocolate mousse is rich, yes, but not dense. It is sweet, creamy and light as air. The type that almost melts on your tongue and has the just amount of chocolate-ness to it.
Recipes that claim to be “authentic” say that you are only suppose to use chocolate and eggs, nothing more. Julia Child, on the other hand, uses a ton of butter (obviously!), coffee and some other fancy ingredients.
My recipe asks for only 5 ingredients: chocolate, egg yolks, a little milk, sugar and heavy cream. Plus a splash of booze for fun, which is optional.
And because I use whipped cream for extra lightness, I use dark chocolate (60% cacao) so we don’t lose the strong chocolate flavor. Flavorings like orange, espresso, sea salt, cinnamon, and chili powder can be added to spice things up, if you so desire!
Another trick for a lighter than air mousse is to let it stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. The mousse goes in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set, but since I usually leave it there longer – sometimes overnight – I find that if I serve it right from the fridge, it will be denser than if I wait a few minutes for it to get creamy again.
Some purists might go crazy if they read this, but I like to serve my chocolate mousse with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. But it’s up to you, really.
With or without garnishes, this elegant Mousse au Chocolat will be the perfect ending to your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.
Oh, who am I kidding? This mousse might be delicious, but the perfect ending is ALWAYS the jewelry. (Hint hint, husband!)
Mousse au Chocolat
Ingredients
- 3 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (I use 60% cacao), roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Cognac, or whatever liquor you have on hand (optional)
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
Instructions
15 Comments on “Mousse au Chocolat”
This looks heavenly! I love that it’s made from simple ingredients that I have at home! Perfect :)
Absolutely adorable! I am a chocoholic, so this recipe is definitely on my MUST TRY list. Pinned!
I do love a perfect classic French style chocolate mousse, it is a regular, served for birthdays and celebrations.
Everything sounds better in French and whipped cream and chocolate shavings is always a good decision! Looks like a perfect Valentine’s Day dessert! I hope you get your bling!
This looks so good!!! I should definitely try it this Valentine’s day!
I could dive into that with a spoon! It’s times like this when I wish I could just reach through the screen. This is definitely on my must-make list.
I used to work for a French baker in San Francisco and then at Pirets here in San Diego (a French Culinary Emporium) and her chocolate mousse was superb. This looks and sounds delicious Olivia and the photos are beautiful Have a wonderful Valentines Day with the hubby. :)
I love your tip about letting the Mousse come up to room temp before serving! One of the restaurants I used to work had great cheesecake and I always would put a slice in my office a few hours before closing and then enjoy it while I was doing the closing books. It was soooo good but lots of people thought I was crazy! Now I want to go back and show them this post! LOL This Mousse is really beautiful. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Hahaha! That’s such a coincidence, because I do the same with my cheesecake. If you check my cheesecake recipe here on my blog, you will see that I said I always serve at room temperature. It’s way better and creamier that way! :) Great minds think alike, huh? :) Thanks for stopping by!
This looks absolutely amazing, simple desserts are often the best! Have a lovely Valentine’s Day Olivia! :)
Thanks, dear! :)
Wonderful recipe! I love chocolate!
Me too! Chocolate is life! ♥
Just beautiful! So perfect for a wonderful dinner at home!
Thanks so much, Carol!