Chocolate Mousse Domes

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:

1. Melt the Chocolate: Combine the finely chopped chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Egg Yolks: Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually blend in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring constantly. Set aside.
3. Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until combined. Then fold in the beaten egg whites until the mixture is uniform.

2. Mold the Mousse:

Spoon the mousse into silicone dome molds, filling each to the top. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is firm.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the finely chopped chocolate and vegetable oil. Melt over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Assemble the Domes:

1. Unmold the Mousse: Carefully remove the frozen mousse domes from the silicone molds and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
2. Coat the Domes: Pour the melted chocolate coating over each dome, ensuring complete coverage. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, gently tapping the rack to smooth the coating.

5. Set the Coating:

Refrigerate the coated domes for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is set.

6. Serve:

Once set, transfer the mousse domes to a serving plate. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

These chocolate mousse domes offer a luxurious, creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor, making them a perfect indulgent treat.