Growing up, my grandmother would whip up her famous chocolate mousse every time we had a family celebration. The light, airy texture combined with the rich, velvety chocolate was always a crowd-pleaser. As I got older, I wanted to put a modern twist on her classic recipe, adding a hint of hazelnut and a touch of espresso for depth. This Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse is not only a tribute to her original recipe but also a delightful homage to the cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and love.
### Ingredients
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 large eggs, separated
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
– 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– Pinch of salt
– Chopped hazelnuts and cocoa powder for garnish
### Instructions
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, hazelnut spread, and espresso powder to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful to maintain the light texture.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, being cautious not to deflate the mixture.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully combined and silky.
Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Before serving, garnish each mousse with a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts and a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
This Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with a Touch of Espresso is not just a dessert; it’s a journey back to those cherished family moments, where every bite evokes warmth and nostalgia. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while honoring the sweet memories of the past. Enjoy!