Decadent Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

Essential Ingredients

• 1 quart of heavy cream
• 1 ounce of high-quality dark chocolate (Walter Baker & Co.'s Premium No. 1 Chocolate recommended)
• 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of boiling water
• 1 cup of powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

• Three-quart mould
• Wooden pail
• Fine ice
• Coarse salt
• Sieve
• Small pan
• Flat dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Mould

1. Line the Mould: Place a three-quart mould inside a wooden pail. Line the bottom with a layer of fine ice and a thin layer of coarse salt.
2. Pack the Ice and Salt: Fill the space between the mould and the pail with fine ice and coarse salt. Use approximately two quarts of salt and enough ice to fill the space completely.

Whipping the Cream

1. Whip the Cream: Whip one quart of heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Drain the whipped cream through a sieve to remove any excess liquid.
2. Re-whip the Cream: Whip the cream that has drained through the sieve to ensure it is fully aerated.

Preparing the Chocolate Mixture

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a small pan, combine one ounce of dark chocolate, three tablespoons of granulated sugar, and one tablespoon of boiling water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it becomes smooth and glossy.
2. Add Cream to Chocolate: Stir in three tablespoons of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to create a smooth blend.

Combining Ingredients

1. Sweeten the Whipped Cream: Sprinkle one cup of powdered sugar over the remaining whipped cream.
2. Incorporate the Chocolate: Pour the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream in a thin stream, gently stirring until well combined.

Setting the Mousse

1. Fill the Mould: Wipe out the chilled mould and pour the chocolate cream mixture into it. Cover the mould.
2. Add Ice on Top: Place a small amount of ice lightly on top of the covered mould.
3. Cover and Chill: Wet a piece of cloth or carpet in water and cover the top of the pail. Set the pail aside in a cool place for three to four hours.

Serving the Mousse

1. Unmould the Mousse: Remove the mould from the ice. Dip it briefly in cold water, wipe it dry, and then turn the mousse out onto a flat dish.
2. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Chocolate Consumption: The average American consumes approximately 9.5 pounds of chocolate per year (Statista, 2021).
• Health Benefits: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved heart health and brain function (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
• Global Market: The global chocolate market was valued at over $130 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years (Mordor Intelligence).

Sources

• Statista: Chocolate Consumption in the U.S.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source - Dark Chocolate
• Mordor Intelligence: Global Chocolate Market

By following this recipe, you can create a luxurious chocolate mousse that is sure to delight anyone who tastes it. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!