Mousse Au Chocolat (Chocolate Mousse)

Mousse au Chocolat

The summer of 1995, our French exchange student, Élodie called up her dad in Paris, got this recipe from him, and I've been making it ever since.  One of my favorite desserts.  Looks and tastes fancy... and only 231 calories per serving!

INGREDIENTS:

• 4.5 ounces (10 Tbsp) semisweet chocolate
• 1 Tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 eggs, separated

DIRECTIONS:

• Melt chocolate in double boiler or in small sauce pan over extremely low heat, stirring constantly.  Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, separate the eggs.  Set yolks aside in separate dish.
• Beat the egg whites until firm (stiff peaks).
• Stir the water and vanilla into the chocolate, then add the egg yolk and combine thoroughly.
• Fold the egg whites into the chocolate slowly until completely combined; should be fluffy but a little runny.
• Pour the mixture into four separate dessert dishes (the size of individual casserole dishes), I used 8-oz (approx.) stainless prep bowls.
• Chill in refrigerator for 2-4 hours before serving.
• Garnish with chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, sprig of mint, raspberries, or your creative choice!

NOTES:

• Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered.