Romancing the Stove

Instead of going out for Valentine’s Day, create an intimate evening for two with recipes from the Best Places to Kiss Cookbook. Romance your special someone with something sweet!

Decadent Chocolate Mousse

8 servings

This is a great company dessert because it looks elegant, everyone loves chocolate, and you can make it ahead. Think of fun ways to serve it-funky tea cups, martini glasses, or long-stemmed wine glasses with iced tea spoons!

Ingredients:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 3/4 cups heavy cream
3 eggs, at room temperature
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1⁄2 cup sugar
Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Fresh raspberries (optional)
Chocolate curls (optional)

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler; set aside. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to medium stiff peaks; set aside.

2. In a large stainless steel bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar. Place the bowl over a hot water bath and whisk until the mixture reaches 140°F; remove from heat. With an electric mixer, whip the heated mixture on high speed until cool, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the melted chocolate. Gently fold in the whipped cream. Pour the mousse into 8 individual serving cups (about 5 ounces). Chill until set, about 1 hour.

3. To serve, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, raspberries, or chocolate curls.