Chocolate-Cognac Mousse In Espresso Cups

2.3 from 7 ratings

This classic French dessert is all too often overlooked, but I find it to be utterly delectable, especially when the mousse is light, airy, and silky-smooth — all the qualities I tried to highlight when I created this recipe. Here the mousse is marvelously chocolaty and not-too-sweet (only 1 tablespoon of sugar is added to the whole dessert!), but every spoonful is as luscious as can be. Served in stylish espresso cups, this mousse makes a stunning dessert. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time — the finishing touches require only a few minutes of your time before serving. A classic dessert that deserves a spot in every cook's repertoire!

Servings

servings

Ingredients

7 ounce semisweet chocolate, preferably callebaut, valhrona, or scharffen berger, broken into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature, separated*
1 tablespoon sugar, preferably organic
2 tablespoon cognac or brandy
3/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
bittersweet chocolate, for garnish

Directions

In a double-boiler, over slow simmering hot water, melt the chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
While the chocolate is cooling, place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the whisk attachments, whip on medium speed until frothy. Add the sugar and increase to high speed. Continue to whip at high speed until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Add the cognac to the cooled chocolate (the chocolate should be warm to the touch but not hot), and whisk with a wire whisk until just incorporated. Add the egg yolks one at a time and whisk until just incorporated.
With a silicone spatula, fold in the whipped cream until well incorporated. Then, very gently, fold in half of the egg whites until well incorporated. Finish by folding in the remaining egg whites until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Spoon the mousse into espresso cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Place the heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric mixer and whip on medium speed until soft peaks form. Transfer to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Remove the espresso cups from the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving. Spoon a dollop of the chantilly on top of each mousse. Using a vegetable hand peeler, shave the bittersweet chocolate over the mousses and serve.