Homemade Orange-Chocolate Mousse

recipe

• Step 1
  Bring the eggs & cream to room temperature. Set out 2 small bowls. Separate the egg whites from the yolks into the bowls. Reserve both the egg whites & yolks.
• Step 2
  Break or chop the chocolate into small pieces. Place a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water. (Be sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl!) Add the chocolate & a pinch of sea salt to the bowl. Stir as it slowly melts.
• Step 3
  To make a citrus simple syrup, combine 0.5 tbsp of sugar & 0.5 tbsp of water (per serving) in a small pot over low heat. Add a fresh orange peel & a squeeze of orange juice. Simmer & stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.
• Step 4
  Remove the bowl of melted chocolate from the pot & set aside. Using a hand mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff white peaks. As you beat the egg whites, slowly add the rest of the sugar a spoonful at a time.
• Step 5
  While the chocolate is still warm, add the cream & citrus simple syrup. Whisk until they're incorporated. Then add the yolks. Whisk until smooth & creamy.
• Step 6
  Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate in 3-4 additions. As you add each dollop of egg whites, fold the ingredients from the outside of the bowl inward, down & up. Spin the bowl as you continue combining the mousse in this way.
• Step 7
  Spoon the light & fluffy chocolate mousse into individual dessert dishes.
• Step 8
  Refrigerate for 2-4 hrs before serving.
• Step 9
  Garnish with grated orange zest & chocolate shavings (optional). Enjoy!