Layered mint chocolate mousse pots

45 MINUTES + SETTING MAKES 6 | EASY | GF Chocolate and mint is one of those combinations that always feels right at Christmas, and this mousse verges on the addictive.

WHITE CHOCOLATE MINT LAYERS

white chocolate 100g, finely chopped

double cream 100ml, plus extra to

serve (optional)

peppermint extract 3/4 tsp

green food colouring (gel pastes are best)

a few drops

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE LAYERS

dark chocolate (65-70% cocoa solids)

100g, chopped

whole milk 3 tbsp

caster sugar 60g

double cream 200ml

eggs 2 large, whites and yolks separated

• Make the mint layers by putting the white chocolate in a bowl and the cream into a small pan. Over a medium heat bring the cream to a simmer then pour over the chocolate, along with the peppermint extract and the green colouring. Mix until smooth, then put aside for 30 minutes or until cooled slightly.

• To make the chocolate mousse, put the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the milk. Put aside to cool slightly.

• Whisk the egg whites until foamy then slowly pour in the sugar while continuing to whisk until the mixture holds soft peaks. In a separate bowl, whisk the cream until soft peaks.

• Mix the egg yolks into the cooled dark chocolate mixture then fold in the double cream followed by the egg whites.

• To assemble, pour a little of the mint layer into the bottom of 6 small glasses (about 200ml capacity each) and swirl so it levels out. Put the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes or until the layer is set. Top with 2 tbsp of the mousse mixture and carefully spread into an even layer. Freeze for 10 minutes as before.

• Repeat this layering process until all the mousse is used. Refrigerate the finished desserts for a few hours or overnight until ready to serve. You can serve them as they are or with a little dollop of whipped cream, if you like.

PER SERVING 505 KCALS | FAT 40.6G SATURATES 24.1G | CARBS 27.9G | SUGARS 26.6G FIBRE 1.3G | PROTEIN 6.1G | SALT 0.2G