Name: Chocolate Mousse with Wine-Soaked Cherries and Whipped Cream
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H40M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT8H50M0.000S
Yield: 6 or 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 ounces good quality semisweet chocolate, chopped, plus extra for shaving; *4 eggs; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup red wine; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 lemon, zested; 3/4 pound cherries, pitted; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

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.
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.