CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH WINE-SOAKED CHERRIES AND WHIPPED CREAM

Chocolate Mousse with Wine-Soaked Cherries and Whipped Cream image

Provided by Food Network

Categories dessert

Time 8h50m

Yield 6 or 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 ounces good quality semisweet chocolate, chopped, plus extra for shaving
*4 eggs
3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 lemon, zested
3/4 pound cherries, pitted
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler. While chocolate is melting, separate the eggs. Beat the yolks, using a whisk in a medium bowl, with 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the vanilla until they become light yellow and creamy.
Temper the yolks with a few tablespoons of melted chocolate before adding the rest of the chocolate, stirring until well combined. Set aside.
Beat the whites in a medium bowl with remaining tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In a large, cold bowl, add the cream and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold both the egg whites and cream into the chocolate-egg mixture. Spoon the mousse into individual serving bowls or 1 large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Cherries: Combine the wine, sugar and lemon zest in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and add the cherries. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
In a small bowl add the cream, sugar and vanilla. Whip until the cream forms soft peaks or to desired consistency.
To serve, top the mousse with cherries and whipped cream.