Chef John's Dark Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Chipotle Mousse

This rich and smooth chocolate mousse is enhanced with a subtle kick of chipotle pepper, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. The creamy texture makes it an irresistible dessert thats sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
• 1 tiny pinch salt
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream, chilled

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a simmer over low heat. Place the chopped chocolate, butter, 2 tablespoons of water, chipotle pepper, and salt in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the simmering water. Stir the mixture gently until the butter melts and the chocolate becomes smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
2. In another heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of water, and sugar over the same simmering water. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes foamy and is hot to the touch, about 3 minutes.
3. Slowly pour the hot egg mixture into the cooled chocolate mixture. Whisk together until smooth, then place the bowl over a bowl of ice to cool further. Continue whisking until the mixture reaches room temperature or slightly cooler.
4. In a separate chilled metal bowl, pour in cup plus 1 tablespoon of cold heavy cream. Whisk until soft peaks form.
5. Take about half of the whipped cream and gently fold it into the cooled chocolate mixture. Once incorporated, fold in the remaining whipped cream until almost all streaks are gone and the mousse is smooth.
6. Divide the mousse evenly into 4 6-ounce ramekins. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for the mousse to set properly.

Nutrition Facts