PreparationStep one - Heat 3/4 cup heavy cream in a 1 quart heavy saucepan until
hot. Whisk together yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a metal bowl
until combined well, then add hot cream in a slow stream, whisking until combined.
Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring
constantly, until it registers 160 degrees F on thermometer. Pour custard
through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and stir in vanilla.
Step two - Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a pan of
simmering water (or in a glass bowl in a microwave at 50 percent power 3-5
minutes), stirring frequently. Whisk custard into chocolate until smooth, then cool.
Step three - Beat remaining 1 1/4 cups heavy cream in a bowl with an electric
mixer until it just holds stiff peaks. Whisk one fourth of cream into chocolate custard
to lighten, then fold in remaining cream gently but thoroughly.
Step four - Spoon mousse into 8 (6-ounce) stemmed glasses and chill, covered, at
least 6 hours. Let stand at room temperature about 20 minutes before serving.
Step five - Garnish with lightly sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Total time - 45 minutes active, 7 hours with cooling.
Yield - 8 servings
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