sweet essentials: chocolate mousse pots

How To Make sweet essentials: chocolate mousse pots

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 3
  Chop the chocolate.
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  Step 4
  Chef’s Note: You will need a bitter chocolate with at least 70-percent cacao. Anything less and the chocolate will not be as firm, when it cools.
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  Step 5
  Add the chocolate, and salt to a large mixing bowl, and reserve.
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  Step 6
  Chef’s Tip: Studies show that when you’re working with egg whites, the best type of bowl to use (to prevent deflation) is metal. However, I have found a good ceramic bowl works just as good. Just make sure that the bowl is perfectly clean.
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  Step 7
  Place the whipping cream into a saucepan and bring up to a light simmer.
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  Step 8
  Remove the cream from the heat, pour over the chocolate/salt mixture, and add the vanilla.
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  Step 9
  Use a whisk to melt the chocolate evenly into the hot cream, and continue to mix until fully incorporated, about 2 – 3 minutes.
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  Step 10
  Chef’s Note: Reserve in a corner of the kitchen, and allow to completely cool, about 30 minutes, or longer.
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  Step 11
  When the chocolate has sufficiently cooled, add the egg whites to a food processor, fitted with the whisk attachment, and whisk on high until soft peaks begin to form, about 60 seconds.
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  Step 12
  Add the confectioner’s sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, and continue to whisk until all the sugar is combined with the egg whites, and stiff peaks begin to form, about 3 – 4 minutes.
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  Step 13
  Add about a fourth of the egg whites to the cooled chocolate.
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  Step 14
  Gently whisk until combined with the chocolate, and no white streaks remain.
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  Step 15
  Add the remainder of the egg whites, and gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate.
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  Step 16
  Chef’s Note: By folding and not whisking, we hope to incorporate the egg whites into the chocolate with as little deflation as possible.
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  Step 17
  Pour into small serving bowls.
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  Step 18
  Cover and place into the fridge overnight.
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  Step 19
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 20
  Remove from the refrigerator, decorate with some chopped nuts, or fruit, and serve to your happy guests. Enjoy
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  Step 21
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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