Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 6 oz. semisweet chocolate, best quality
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature, yolks and whites separated
- ½ tsp. cream of tartar
- ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream, cold
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Ingredients for serving:
- ½ cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tsp. sugar
- Chocolate shavings
Directions:
- Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Break the chocolate into small pieces directly into the bowl. Microwave at 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is about 75% melted. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes, and then whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in ¼ cup of the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Using a large rubber spatula, fold the egg-white mixture into the chocolate mixture until uniform. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken up. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla and continue beating until the cream holds medium peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Be sure it is fully incorporated but don’t mix any more than necessary.
- Divide the mousse between six individual glasses, cover and chill until set, at least 2 hours, and ideally overnight.
- Up to a few hours before serving, whip the cream until it begins to thicken up. Add the sugar and whip to medium peaks.
- Dollop the whipped cream over the mousse and top with chocolate shavings.
