Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE GRAND MARNIER MOUSSE

Category: Mousse

11/2 lb semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup strong coffee
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
1 tsp orange zest, finely chopped
4 egg yolks
2 cups heavy or whipping cream, cold
6 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Melt the chocolate chips in a 21/2 qt. sauce pan over very low heat, stirring constantly. Add the coffee, then stir in the liqueur and orange zest. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Whip 1 cup of the heavy cream until thick. Gradually add the sugar, whisking until the cream is stiff. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks.

Gently fold the egg whites into the whipped cream. Stir about 1/3 of the cream mixture thoroughly into the chocolate mixture. Scrape the remaining cream mixture into the chocolate mixture and gently fold them together.

Pour the mousse into fancy individual serving bowls or into one serving bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours but 12 hours is best. At serving time whip the remaining cream into stiff peaks with the vanilla and top each portion with a dollop. Serves 8