Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:
8 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:

  • Finely chop chocolate; reserve.
  • In a double boiler, whisk yolks, sugar, and salt until sugar has dissolved and mixture is warm to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Off heat, quickly whisk in chopped chocolate until melted and cocoa until smooth (mixture will be thick).
  • Cool to room temperature.
  • In a medium bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form.
  • Whisk half of whipped cream into room-temperature chocolate mixture.
  • Gently fold in remaining whipped cream with a rubber spatula.
  • Divide mousse among six serving dishes (7 ounce ramekins).
  • Chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
  • Remove mousse from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with shaved chocolate.

Cook’s Note:
For a simple garnish, shave chocolate from the side of a chocolate bar with a vegetable peeler.
To store mousse, place a paper towel under the plastic wrap (without touching mousse) before sealing for refrigeration. The paper towel will absorb the drops of condensation that might otherwise drip onto the surface.