Mum’s dinner party chocolate mousse

MAKES 4- 6

Sneaking into the fridge in the morning after my parents’ dinner parties to see if there was any chocolate mousse leftovers was compulsory. I just adored the creamy, cloud-like texture and deep chocolatey flavour. Mum likes them for entertaining because they can be prepared ahead of time.

200g quality dark chocolate ( 65% plus), chopped, plus extra chocolate, to grate as garnish

1 egg

2 egg yolks

6 tbsp caster sugar

2 tbsp water

250ml cream, whipped, plus

extra whipped, to garnish

1 Melt the chocolate carefully in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Keep on the heat until the chocolate has melted completely. Whisk until smooth. 2 In an electric beater with whisk attachment, whisk the egg and yolks until thick and creamy.

3 While the eggs are beating, boil the sugar and water for 5-7 minutes to create a sugar syrup.

4 With the beater running, pour the syrup into the egg in a thin, steady stream and continue whisking. Scrape in the warmed melted chocolate and keep whisking until cooled.

5 Once it’s completely cold, fold in the whipped cream, using a light hand to maintain the volume.

6 Pour into containers of your choice – little cups, glasses, ramekins or whatever looks delightful – to just below the rim. Cover with cling film and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

7 To serve, top with a blob of whipped cream and shavings of chocolate.