Wicked Hot Chocolate Mousse
- Level: Intermediate
- Yield: 6 servings
- Total: 3 hr 25 min
- Prep: 20 min
- Inactive: 3 hr
- Cook: 5 min
Ingredients
4 large eggs, separated*
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
4 teaspoons Chili Oil, recipe follows
7 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
Spicy Whipped Cream, recipe follows
Chili Oil:
2 cups olive oil
4 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper flakes
Spicy Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cocoa powder
Ground cayenne pepper
Directions
- Whisk the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of sugar, butter, 1/4 cup of water, coffee liqueur, and chili oil in a large metal bowl to blend. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water); whisk constantly until the mixture is very thick and frothy, about 3 minutes. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in another large bowl to soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, beating until stiff and glossy peaks form. Remove the chocolate from over the water. Fold 1/3 of the meringue into the warm chocolate mixture to lighten, then fold in the remaining meringue.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours or overnight. Spoon the mousse into 6-ounce bowls. Top with spicy whipped cream and serve.
Chili Oil:
- Combine the oil and crushed red pepper flakes in a heavy small saucepan. Cook over low heat until a thermometer inserted into the oil registers 180 degrees F, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer the oil and pepper flakes to a 4-ounce bottle. Seal the lid. Refrigerate up to 1 month.
- Yield: 2 cups
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Inactive Prep Time: 2 hours
Spicy Whipped Cream:
- With an electric mixer, whip cream gradually adding the sugar until soft peaks form. Top with a dusting of cocoa powder and a pinch of cayenne. Serve immediately.
- Yield: 2 cups
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time:
- Inactive Prep Time: