Recipe Time
Hands On: 15 Minutes
Total: 8 Hours, 52 Minutes
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup Dutch process cocoa
1 teaspoon instant espresso granules
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon brandy
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
Dash of salt
1 1/2 cups frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed
Baking spray with flour (such as Baker's Joy)
Preheat oven to 350°.
Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add cocoa and espresso, stirring until smooth. Remove pan from heat. Add chocolates; gently stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in brandy and vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture into a large bowl. Let stand 10 minutes; stir occasionally.
Combine eggs, egg whites, sugar, and salt in the top of a double boiler, stirring with a whisk. Cook over simmering water until a thermometer reaches 115° (about 2 minutes), stirring constantly with a whisk. Place egg mixture in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until ribbony, soft peaks form (about 5 minutes).
Gently stir one-third of egg mixture into chocolate mixture; gently fold in remaining egg mixture. Gently fold in whipped topping. Spoon batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with baking spray, spreading evenly. Bake at 350° for 27 minutes or until almost set (center will not be firm but will set as it chills). Cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Cover and chill at least 8 hours or overnight.
OR USE WHIPPED CREAM: If you substitute an equal amount of whipped cream for the whipped topping, you will need to bake the mousse about 5 minutes longer.
Deb Wise, Cooking Light
NOVEMBER 2012