Classic chocolate mousse

Ingredients

1-100 classic 74% dark chocolate, chopped, plus extra shards to decorate (optional) 2-25g butter, cubed 3-3 large eggs, separated 4-2 tbsp caster sugar 5-2 tbsp whipping cream (optional)

Creamy chocolate mousse is an absolute classic, and this indulgent gluten-free dessert recipe is so easy to follow. Whip up the mousse with rich dark chocolate and allow to set overnight, before serving with whipped cream and chocolate shards, if you like. Stunning dinner party desserts don’t get better than this!

process

1-Put the chocolate, butter and

75ml warm water (see tip, below) in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Push the chocolate and bu-

tter gently into the warm water with a wooden spoon to help it melt, but avoid stirring too much. Once th -quarters of the butter the bowl from the heat. Stir until

melted, smooth and glossy. Set aside until lukewarm.

2-Working quickly, use a spatula to stir the egg yolks into the chocolate mixture, one at a time. In

a separate bowl, use an electric whisk to whip the egg whites to soft peaks, then gradually add the sugar, whisking, until stiff peaks form. 3-Gently fold about a fifth of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the rest,

being careful no t to knock out the air bubbles. Pour into wine

or dessert glasses, cover with clingfilm and chill overnight to set. 4-When ready to serve, whip the cream (if using) to soft peaks. Top each glass with a spoonful of cream and decorate with

chocolate shards, if you like.

TIP: For the ideal warm water temperature, mix one-third boiling water with two-thirds cold water.