Simple Chocolate Mousse

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (preferably valrhona gastronomie)
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg yolk
• 4 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Recipe

• 1 melt chocolate in a bowl over, but not touching, simmering water or in microwave oven.
• 2 if needed, transfer the chocolate to a bowl that is big enough to hold all the ingredients.
• 3 keep the chocolate on the counter until needed.
• 4 the chocolate should still feel warm to touch when you are ready to use it.
• 5 bring the milk to a boil, then pour it over the chocolate.
• 6 using a small whisk, gently blend the milk into the choclate.
• 7 add the egg yolk and whisk it into the chocolate, again working gently; stop when the yolk is incorporated.
• 8 in a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed just until they hold soft peaks.
• 9 increase speed to medium-high and gradually add the sugar.
• 10 continue to beat the whites until they are firm but still glossy.
• 11 scoop 1/3 of the whites out of the bowl onto the chocolate mixture.
• 12 working with a whisk, beat the whites into the chocolate to lighten the mixture.
• 13 now, with either the whisk or a large rubber spatula, delicately but thoroughly fold the rest of the beaten whites into the chocolate.
• 14 turn the mousse into a large serving bowl—glass is nice; or into individual cups; refrigerate for 1 hour to set.