Reviving a Classic: Delia Smith’s Sumptuous Chocolate Mousse Recipe Rediscovered
Delia Smith’s chocolate mousse is a classic dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with a light, airy texture. Simple to make yet elegant, this recipe is a favorite among both novice and experienced cooks. Delia, known for her straightforward approach to cooking, ensures that even beginners can create this indulgent treat successfully. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet ending to a meal, this chocolate mousse is sure to delight everyone who tastes it.
How To Make Delia Smith’s Chocolate Mousse Recipe Overview
This chocolate mousse recipe is a luxurious yet straightforward dessert, perfect for a sophisticated finale to any meal. Taking about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 2 hours for chilling, it’s ideal for those seeking a quick yet impressive sweet treat. This recipe serves 6 people, offering a generous portion of this rich and creamy delight. The increased quantity of ingredients ensures that there’s plenty to go around, whether it’s a family gathering or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 10 oz (300 g) dark chocolate (75% cocoa solids), broken into pieces
- 2 oz (60 g) golden caster sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 6 fl oz (180 ml) warm water
- Optional for serving: whipped cream
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: Begin by gently melting the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until smooth.
- Combine with Water: Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the warm water. The mixture will thicken initially but will become smooth as you continue stirring.
- Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and then incorporate them into the chocolate mixture.
- Whisk Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk until firm peaks form.
- Fold into Chocolate: Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, retaining as much air as possible.
- Chill: Pour the mixture into serving dishes and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
What To Serve With This Chocolate Mousse?
Serving the right accompaniments with this chocolate mousse can enhance its flavors and create a more delightful dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:
Fresh Berries: A classic pairing, fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing, slightly tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving adds a creamy texture and balances the intensity of the chocolate.
Mint Leaves: A few mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing note.
Shortbread Cookies or Biscotti: Serving these on the side adds a delightful crunch and a complementary buttery flavor.
Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine, like a Port or a late-harvest Riesling, can be a sophisticated accompaniment for adults.
Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee or espresso is a perfect match for the sweet and rich chocolate mousse.
Dusting of Cocoa Powder or Shaved Chocolate: For an extra touch of chocolate, a light dusting on top can be visually appealing and delicious.
Orange Zest: A little grated orange zest can add a fresh, citrusy aroma and a hint of bitterness that goes well with chocolate.
Each of these accompaniments offers a different flavor and texture that can complement the chocolate mousse, making your dessert course even more memorable.
Nutritional Value (per serving)
Calories: Approximately 320
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 5g
Also Read: Delia Smith’s Coq Au Vin Recipe
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this recipe. Milk chocolate will give the mousse a sweeter, lighter flavor compared to the rich intensity of dark chocolate. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate is softer and may slightly change the texture of the mousse. It’s a great option if you prefer a milder chocolate taste. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful variation!
Is it necessary to use golden caster sugar?
No, it’s not necessary to use golden caster sugar. Regular caster sugar works just as well in this recipe. Golden caster sugar adds a slight caramel flavor, but if you can’t find it or prefer something else, regular caster sugar is a perfect substitute. It will still give you a deliciously sweet and smooth chocolate mousse. So, feel free to use what you have on hand or what you prefer. Happy cooking!
How long can this mousse be stored in the refrigerator?
This chocolate mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well. This helps to keep its flavor and texture intact. It’s perfect for making ahead of time for a gathering or enjoying as a treat over a few days. Just remember to take it out a little while before serving. This way, it’s not too cold, and you can enjoy its full, rich taste. Enjoy your mousse!
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can make this chocolate mousse recipe vegan. Replace the regular chocolate with a vegan chocolate variety. For the eggs, use a vegan egg substitute like aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It whips up like egg whites. There are also vegan alternatives for caster sugar. Just note that the texture and taste might be slightly different from the original recipe. But it’s a great way to enjoy this dessert if you follow a vegan diet.
Is it safe for children and pregnant women, considering it contains raw eggs?
This chocolate mousse contains raw eggs, which can be a concern for children and pregnant women due to the risk of salmonella. To make it safer, you can use pasteurized eggs. These are heat-treated to kill bacteria but still raw for cooking purposes. This way, everyone can enjoy the mousse without worry. Always check with your doctor if you have concerns, especially during pregnancy. Safety first, especially when it comes to enjoying delicious desserts like this mousse!
Conclusion
This chocolate mousse is a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, classic desserts. Its luxurious texture and rich flavor make it an enduring favorite that transcends trends and eras. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Enjoy the revival of this 1960s classic!
Delia Smith chocolate mousse recipe
- 10 oz 300 g dark chocolate (75% cocoa solids), broken into pieces
- 2 oz 60 g golden caster sugar
- 4 large eggs (separated)
- 6 fl oz (180 ml warm water)
- Optional for serving: whipped cream
- Melt the Chocolate: Begin by gently melting the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until smooth.
- Combine with Water: Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the warm water. The mixture will thicken initially but will become smooth as you continue stirring.
- Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and then incorporate them into the chocolate mixture.
- Whisk Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk until firm peaks form.
- Fold into Chocolate: Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, retaining as much air as possible.
- Chill: Pour the mixture into serving dishes and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
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