French Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream

Ingredients

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. 01
   Melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. 02
   In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until thick and pale. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. 03
   Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture until well combined.
4. 04
   In another clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form.
5. 05
   Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in batches, ensuring not to deflate the mixture.
6. 06
   Divide the mousse into four serving glasses or bowls, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
7. 07
   For the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
8. 08
   Top each serving of mousse with a generous dollop of whipped cream just before serving.