Classic French Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

• 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (60 to 70%), chopped
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp strong coffee or water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 3 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
• 3 tbsp sugar, divided
• 3/4 cup cold heavy cream
• shaved chocolate or cocoa, to serve

Steps

1. Melt the chocolate, butter and coffee in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and salt and cool 5 minutes.
2. Whisk the egg yolks with 1 tbsp sugar until pale, then whisk into the chocolate.
3. Whip the cream to soft peaks and set aside.
4. In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites to foamy, then gradually add the remaining sugar and whip to glossy soft peaks.
5. Fold one-third of the whites into the chocolate to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest, followed by the whipped cream, until no streaks remain.
6. Spoon into 6 small glasses or ramekins and chill at least 4 hours. Top with shaved chocolate before serving.

TipThe recipe uses raw eggs; buy pasteurized eggs if serving young children, pregnant guests or anyone with a weakened immune system.