Port Kissed Chocolate Mousse

Recipe by Paula.

This is my favourite chocolate mousse recipe. The sophisticated taste combination of bittersweet chocolate, vanilla and hint of Port will make this a favourite in your home as well. It's been a trusted dessert for my dinner parties.....but I most enjoy serving this luscious mousse when it's just the two of us and we can lick the spoons and bowls clean. ;) Enjoy!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 eggs, separated

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon port

pinch of salt

Strawberry Garnish:

1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

1 to 2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon Port

Whipped Cream Garnish:

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

powdered sugar to taste

Directions:

1. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter over simmering water. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks for 2 minutes. Continuing to beat the eggs, add the sugar until the eggs thicken and the batter falls in ribbons. Add the Port, vanilla and cooled chocolate to the egg mixture. Mix until thoroughly blended.

3. In another bowl, combine the egg whites and salt. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the egg/chocolate mixture until smooth. Then fold in the remaining 2/3 egg whites. Blend well but don't over mix.

4. Pour the mousse into your serving dishes, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours but it's even better left overnight.

5. To make the garnish, combine the sliced strawberries with enough sugar to sweeten them and the Port. Let the berries macerate for at least 1/2 hour before serving.

6. In a bowl, beat the whipping cream, vanilla and powdered sugar until you get medium peaks.  Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

  

7. Serve the mousse topped with whipped cream and strawberries.