Recipe: Mom’s Cuisinart chocolate mousse

Mom’s Cuisinart chocolate mousse

Total time: 20 minutes, plus chilling time

Servings: 6

Note: Adapted from Sherry Yard’s “Desserts by the Yard.” In addition to serving the mousse chilled, you can serve it semi-frozen (place the ramekins in the freezer for 2 hours before serving), or hot (place the ramekins in a 350-degree oven for 3 to 5 minutes -- they will be slightly set on the outside and molten in the middle).

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into 1/2 -inch pieces

2 tablespoons brewed espresso

1 tablespoon Grand Marnier

1/2 cup heavy cream, divided

1 egg, separated, plus 3 egg whites, at room temperature

Small pinch of cream of tartar

1 tablespoon sugar

Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for serving (optional)

1. Place the chocolate in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse to chop the chocolate very fine.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the espresso, Grand Marnier and 1 tablespoon of the cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Turn on the food processor and add the hot liquid with the processor running. Process until the chocolate has melted. Stop the processor and scrape down the sides. Continue to process until smooth. Add the egg yolk and process until blended. Scrape into a large bowl.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl, with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites on medium speed. When they foam, add the cream of tartar and continue to beat on medium speed while you slowly stream in the sugar. Beat until the egg whites form medium peaks. Fold into the chocolate base, in two additions.

4. Beat the remaining cream until it forms soft peaks. Fold into the mousse. Spoon into 6 (4-ounce) ramekins or other serving cups and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until set. Serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Each serving: 200 calories; 5 grams protein; 13 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 16 grams fat; 9 grams saturated fat; 62 mg. cholesterol; 47 mg. sodium.