When I was growing up my parents always had the most fun dinner parties with culturally diverse and amazing friends. One of these friends, Christiane, is from France and always made this super smooth richly irresistible chocolate mousse. Since I rarely made it to the dessert portion of the party I distinctly remember reaching into the fridge the next morning knowing my mom saved me the little pot of “gold”. Make this for your valentine this month and win a million gold stars!

Made with Amore,

Elena

Ingredients:

Freshly whipped cream and raspberries for garnish

Directions:

1- Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites in two different large mixing bowls. Make sure that NONE of the yolk gets into the whites. Add the pinch of salt to the egg whites.

2- mix the yolks well with a fork and set aside.

3- in a small sauce pan, on low heat, begin to melt the chocolate. Watch closely. Stir often.

4- with a hand mixer or stand mixer beat the egg whites and pinch of salt until stiff peaks. Set aside.

5-As soon as the chocolate is smooth and melted remove from heat immediately.

*important- do not let chocolate cool

6- with a spatula add half of the chocolate from the pan to the egg yolks and stir vigorously with a fork. Add the rest of the chocolate and repeat until smooth. The mixture will thicken a bit and that’s normal.

7- GENTLY fold in the egg whites into the chocolate and yolk mixture. Do this in one forth increments. Use a spatula or wooden spoon and fold from top to bottom, and scraping sides, incorporating the chocolate mixture into the egg whites. Do not over mix. Keep folding until mixtures reaches a uniform color.

8- spoon prepared mousse into ramekins or small glass dishes and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to overnight!

*When ready to serve- top with freshly whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

*Make this a day in advance to serve at any gathering!