The box of candy hearts spilling onto my desk is telling me one thing: we’re on the cusp of Valentine’s Day again! Traditionally, this time of year flowers and boxes of chocolates cover the shelves of almost any store you might visit. I thought it would be fun to share a great Valentine’s Day recipe this year! Instead of buying the usual box of chocolates, try making this mousse!
This sweet dessert is a great way to indulge in chocolate without the next-day regret. With only 248 calories per serving, you can feel great about sharing this dessert with your special someone. Or, if you’re in the same singles boat as me this Valentine’s Day, enjoy with some close friends!
Yields: 6
Ingredients:
1 tsp unflavored gelatin
2 tbs strong brewed coffee
¾ cup low-fat milk
1 large egg
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 large egg whites
½ tsp cream of tarter
3 tbs water
Instructions:
1. Sprinkle gelatin over coffee in a small bowl; let stand until softened, about 1 minute
2. Whisk together milk, whole egg, 1/4 cup of the brown sugar and cocoa in a medium saucepan until smooth. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and add the softened gelatin mixture, stirring until the gelatin has dissolved. Add chocolate and vanilla; stir until the chocolate has melted. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
4. Bring 1-inch of water in a wide saucepan to a bare simmer. Combine egg whites, cream of tartar, water and the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar in a heatproof bowl large enough to fit over the saucepan. Set the bowl over the barely simmering water and beat with an electric mixer at low speed, moving the beaters around constantly, until an instant-read thermometer registers 140°F. (This will take 3 to 5 minutes.)
5. Increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating over the heat for a full 3 1/2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the meringue until cool, 4 to 5 minutes longer.
6. Whisk one-fourth of the meringue into the chocolate mixture until smooth. Fold the chocolate mixture back into the remaining meringue with a rubber spatula until completely incorporated. Spoon the mousse into 6 dessert glasses, and chill until set, about 3 hours.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 248
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 68 mg
Protein: 7 g
Source: EatingWell.com