I need a dessert idea

[Philly Mike]

I am a chocoholic, this is my favorite thing to make. It doesn't take that much time, except for the refrigeration part.

Chocolate Mousse

ingredients
4 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (use semisweet if you are not a dark chocolate fan), finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee(optional
1 cup cold heavy cream
3 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon sugar

Raspberries and extra whipped cream are also optional

prep and make
1 whip the cream to soft peaks, then refrigerate

2 Combine the chocolate, butter and espresso in the top of a double boiler over hot but not simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth. remove from heat and let cool until the chocolate is just slightly warmer than body temp. this happens pretty quickly so don't let it sit too long or it will get too thick when the other ingredients are added

3 as the chocolate is cooling whip the egg whites in a medium bowl until they are foamy and beginning to hold shape. sprinkle the sugar and beat until soft peaks form.

4 Once the chocolate is cool enough stir the yolks in. gently stir about 1/3 of the whipped cream. Fold in half the whites just until incorporated, then fold in the remaining whites, now put in the rest of the whipped cream.

5 Now here you have the option to spoon the mousse into a single serving bowl or individual dishes, I prefer the dishes, it helps it cool down quicker. As you spoon it in you can layer it with the raspberries and the whipped cream. you will want to refrigerate it for about 8 hours especially if in the serving bowl. If in dishes 8 hours is a good benchmark but you will just see it puff up and firm when it is ready, it usually is less than 8 hours for me but this is what the original recipe calls for.

This can serve 5-8 depending on the size.

I have never opted to use the espresso raspberries or extra cream.
This dish is delicious, i love the dark chocolate so i love the bittersweet, but my wife hates it so i use the semisweet. Either way it has a great fluffy flavor, the bittersweet has much more of a rich chocolate flavor though.