Simple Chocolate Mousse - 5 Cups

6            ounces good quality, bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1¾         cups heavy cream, divided
1            tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2            tablespoons brandy or liqueur (optional, e.g., Frangelico®, Amaretto, Grand Marnier®)
 

Nutritional analysis per serving (½ cup): Calories 240 (78% from fat) • carb. 10g • pro. 1g fat 21g • sat. fat 13g • chol. 56mg • sod. 0mg calc. 0mg   • fiber 1g

In a double boiler set over barely simmering water, melt the chocolate with 2 tablespoons  of the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool until lukewarm. Stir in the vanilla extract and brandy or liqueur.

Add the remaining cream to the mixing bowl of the Cuisinart®  Stand Mixer. Attach the chef’s whisk and begin whisking on low speed. Gradually increase to Speed 12 until the cream holds soft peaks, about 1½ minutes.

Stir about a quarter of the whipped cream into the cooled, melted chocolate mixture. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream.

Cover and refrigerate the mousse for 30 minutes.* Spoon or pipe into serving bowls or goblets. If desired, garnish with shaved or finely chopped chocolate and a dollop of whipped cream.

*If using the mousse to fill a pie, pour mixture directly into cooled pie crust like in our Chocolate Cream Pie on page 30.