The BEST Chocolate Mousse

Hello fellow chocoholic!  If you’re looking for something decadent, smooth, simple, not too rich, and something guaranteed to be a hit at the party, this is seriously the BEST chocolate mousse recipe EVER!  The bowls are always licked clean with this one!  Don’t believe me?  Give her a shot…

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp himalayan salt
• 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks in a medium bowl.
2. Add the egg, egg yolks, sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, salt, and 1 TBS water to a medium heatproof bowl and whisk to combine.  Set the bowl over a medium saucepan of gently simmering water.  (DO NOT allow the bowl to touch the water.) Whisk constantly until the mixture is pale, hot to the touch, and has almost doubled in volume, about 4-6 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula, if necessary.  Remove from the heat and continue whisking until cooled, about 2 minutes.
3. Put the chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl and set over the saucepan of gently simmering water (DO NOT allow the bowl to touch the water.) Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth.  Remove from the heat and gently stir for about 3 minutes to cool slightly.
4. Whisk the egg mixture into the melted chocolate in 3 additions until combined.  (The mixture may get very thick.) Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in 3 additions until it is fully incorporated.  It is important that the chocolate mixture is not warm to ensure that it combines smoothly with the whipped cream without seizing up.
5. Divide the chocolate mousse amoung four 4-oz ramekins and chill until firm, about 1 hour. (Or for parties, double or triple recipe and serve in large glass bowl.)
6. Top with your favorite toppings (whipped cream, fruit, shaved chocolate, etc.)