Simple Chocolate Mousse

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

I get it. It’s the month of resolutions and the last thing you guys want to see is a tempting recipe, but I’m here to tell you- if you try to cut simple pleasures like dessert completely from your life, your diet will never work (at least in my experience). Plus, it’s Friday!! Here’s a few reasons why I believe in rewarding yourself, moderation, and making calories count (even during the month of January). Oh, and of course a really amazing chocolate mousse recipe.

This week it’s my turn to make a treat for our weekly girl’s night. Sometimes it’s a salty snack, sometimes it’s sweet, and other times it’s a cocktail. After a few weeks of clean eating, exercising, and nearly perfect behavior, I decided to make a light and splurge-worthy dessert: chocolate mousse.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

I’ll admit it… every new year, I cringe at resolutions. I don’t like making “resolutions” because so frequently this is the story: you hold strong for a month or two, only to break your resolutions and feel severe disappointment. Instead, I like to make “goals” and a set the pace for a lifestyle change. I allow myself a reward once a week for staying on track, something I really enjoy… in moderation, of course. Cue the chocolate mousse.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup chilled heavy cream, divided
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup of dark roast coffee, room temperature
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/8 teaspoon pink himalayan sea salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate (60-72% cacao), chopped
2 large egg whites

Here’s a step-by-step (absolutely no way to mess this up) tutorial for making classic chocolate mousse:

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step one // Beat 1/2 cup cream in medium bowl until stiff peaks form; cover and chill. In this recipe, it’s easier to use a hand mixer rather than a countertop mixing unit (this mixer is my absolute favorite).

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step two // Divide the eggs.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step three // Chop the chocolate.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step four // Combine egg yolks, espresso, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large bowl.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step five // Set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow bowl to touch water). Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is lighter in color and almost doubled in volume and a candy thermometer reads about 160 degrees (about 3 minutes).

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step six // Remove bowl from pan. Add chocolate; whisk until melted and smooth. Let stand, whisking occasionally, until room temperature.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step seven // Using an electric mixer, beat egg white in another medium bowl on medium speed until foamy. With mixer running, gradually beat in remaining 1 Tbsp. sugar. Increase speed to high and beat until glossy, firm peaks form.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step eight // Fold egg whites into chocolate in 2 additions.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step nine // Fold whipped cream into mixture just to blend.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

step ten // Divide mousse among six teacups or 4-oz. ramekins. Chill until firm, at least 2 hours.

You can totally make this recipe in advance! I actually recommend making it one day ahead; just be sure to cover and keep it chilled. Let mousse stand at room temperature for 10 minutes prior serving. Before serving, whisk remaining 1/4 cup cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form; dollop over mousse and garnish with berries.

Simple Chocolate Mousse | Room for Tuesday

For those of you who are counting, there’s about 290 calories per serving. Not so bad, right?

If I’m going to reward myself with a dessert, it has to be worthy. You’ll never see me choose a Snickers bar over a decadent, homemade or gourmet recipe. You’ve got to make those calories count, people! Trust me, this one is worth it. With that said, I don’t keep leftovers around to tempt me. I also make small batches and share with friends.

In the end, you’ll feel like you’re missing out on less and in my opinion- it gives you something to work towards…something to earn. Next recipe post, I promise to post something delicious, but healthy!

In the meantime, give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy a little “me time”. Where do you stand on resolutions, dieting, and eating healthy?

This recipe was adapted from Bon Appétit.

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2 Comments

  1. Whitney Shortt says:

    This looks amazing!!

    1. Thanks, Whitney! I promise it IS worth it, ha :) I’ll run 5 extra miles if I have to, just to have chocolate mousse. xo