Bittersweet and white chocolate pair in a very rich frozen two-layer mousse created for Christmas in November by executive chef Michael Mandato. In his pastry kitchen, there is a good supply of rounded silicone moulds necessary for the igloo shape. But layering the rich dessert in ramekins is just fine, especially if, instead of turning out the dessert igloo-style, you simply garnish each with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shards. Or garnish with a coffee bean, edible gold, raspberries or even finely diced mango and kiwifruit.
- Portion size 16 servings
- Credits : Canadian Living Magazine: December 2006
Ingredients
Method
In small glass measure, stir gelatin with 2 tbsp (25 mL) water. Place bittersweet chocolate in large heatproof bowl. Set aside.Slit vanilla bean lengthwise in half; scrape out seeds and place seeds in separate large heatproof bowl. Whisk in egg yolks and sugar. Set over saucepan with about 2 inches (5 cm) simmering water; whisk until thick enough to thickly coat spoon, about 5 minutes.
Measure 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the cream into small glass liquid measuring cup; microwave on high until bubbles form around edge, about 1 minute. Whisk into egg mixture.
Remove bowl of egg mixture from saucepan and saucepan from heat; set saucepan aside. Pour half of the egg mixture over bittersweet chocolate. Add liqueur; whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until slightly chilled and firm enough to mound on spoon, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, add white chocolate to remaining hot egg mixture, whisking until chocolate is melted. Set measuring cup holding softened gelatin into hot water remaining in saucepan; let heat until gelatin dissolves and clarifies, about 3 minutes. Whisk into white chocolate mixture. (If either chocolate does not completely melt by the time it is cool, rewarm over hot water, whisking until smooth.) Refrigerate until cool and thickened to consistency of raw egg whites.
Whip remaining cream. Fold one-quarter each into each chocolate mixture; fold in remaining cream.
Divide white chocolate mixture among twelve 3-inch (125 mL) ramekins; place on rimmed baking sheet. Top with bittersweet chocolate mixture. Cover lightly and freeze until set, about 2 hours. (Make-ahead: Freeze for up to 1 week.)
Nutritional facts Per serving: about
- Sodium 27 mg
- Protein 4 g
- Calories 279.0
- Total fat 24 g
- Cholesterol 150 mg
- Saturated fat 14 g
- Total carbohydrate 16 g
%RDI
- Iron 6.0
- Folate 7.0
- Calcium 6.0
- Vitamin A 18.0
