Chocolate Mousse

Packaged instant chocolate mousse mix, simpler to prepare than this traditional recipe, is available at most grocery stores and may be substituted.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces unsweetened cooking chocolate
• 4 eggs, separated
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Raspberries, strawberries, and ladyfinger cookies as accompaniment

Procedure

1. Melt the chocolate over low heat in a saucepan.
2. Remove from heat, add cream and allow mixture to cool.
3. Separate egg whites from the yolks.
4. Add sugar to the yolks and mix well.
5. Add yolk mixture to chocolate in the saucepan.
6. Add a pinch of salt to egg whites, then beat with an electric mixer until stiff.
7. Stir egg whites gently into chocolate mixture and let cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
8. To serve, arrange ladyfinger cookies vertically around the mousse.
9. Arrange fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries on top. Serve chilled.

Serves 2 to 4.