This is a recipe given to me by my sister Liz. It's quick, easy and absolutely scrumptious. Certain family members have been known to eat two portions at one sitting, so if you have serious chocaholics as guests you might want to make extra ...
Liz's Luscious Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients:
6 small eggs, separated
170g/6oz good quality plain chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids)
1 level tsp instant coffee powder
2 tbspn brandy (optional)
85g/3oz caster sugar
Chocolate shavings and/or sprigs of mint to garnish
Method:
Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a basin over a pan of gently simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl doesn't touch the water, otherwise the chocolate will go grainy.
Dissolve the coffee powder in a tablespoon of hot water and add it to the melted chocolate. Remove from the heat and beat in the egg yolks and the brandy, if using, until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until they stand in stiff peaks then gradually add the caster sugar, still whisking.
Fold a quarter of the egg white mixture into the chocolate to loosen it then gently fold in the rest.
Pour into four glasses (or six small martini glasses - it's quite rich) and put it in the fridge until the mixture is chilled and set. NB I made 50% extra which is why there are so many glasses ...
Remove from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving and garnish with chocolate shavings and/or sprigs of mint.