Mousse:

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler. While chocolate is melting, separate the eggs. Beat the yolks, using a whisk in a medium bowl, with 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the vanilla until they become light yellow and creamy.

Temper the yolks with a few tablespoons of melted chocolate before adding the rest of the chocolate, stirring until well combined. Set aside.

Beat the whites in a medium bowl with remaining tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

In a large, cold bowl, add the cream and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold both the egg whites and cream into the chocolate-egg mixture. Spoon the mousse into individual serving bowls or 1 large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Cherries:

Combine the wine, sugar and lemon zest in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and add the cherries. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

Whipped Cream:

In a small bowl add the cream, sugar and vanilla. Whip until the cream forms soft peaks or to desired consistency.

To serve, top the mousse with cherries and whipped cream.

*RAW EGG WARNING

Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.