"Instant" Chocolate Mousse

Photo: flickr user Allen Gathman

Ingredients

1 pound Fine-quality bittersweet chocolate

1 cup Heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons Dark rum or other liqueur (optional)

4 Egg whites

1/2 cup Sugar

Chocolate shavings

Preparation

Cut the chocolate finely and set aside.

In a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil and remove from heat. Add the chocolate and let stand a few minutes; whisk smooth and pour into a large bowl. Whisk in the liqueur and cool to room temperature.

In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites and sugar and place over a pan of simmering water, whisking constantly, until egg whites are hot and sugar is dissolved. Whip on mixer until cooled and risen in volume - do not overbeat until egg whites are dry.

Fold meringue into chocolate mixture, and place in bowls or glasses. Garnish with chocolate shavings just before serving.

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.