PUMPKIN MOUSSE

Pumpkin Mousse image

This light and airy mousse is just the thing when you want the flavor, but not the heft, of pumpkin pie. We think it's an elegant end to a hearty autumn meal - Thanksgiving or otherwise.

Provided by Craig Claiborne And Pierre Franey

Categories custards and puddings, dessert

Time 25m

Yield About 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/4 cup cold water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (a scant tablespoon)
3 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar, divided
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

Fill a medium pot with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer.
In a small pot, add ¼ cup of cold water, sprinkle gelatin over the top and let soften for a minute or two. Place on stove and stir over low heat to liquify, being careful not to boil. When gelatin is dissolved, remove from heat and let cool.
In a medium stainless steel mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ½ cup sugar.
Add the pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and milk and beat to blend. Set the bowl over the pot of simmering water on the stove and beat constantly with the whisk (this could be done with a portable electric mixer on a low setting, but it tends to splatter) until the mixture thickens and becomes custardlike, about 5 minutes.
Pour and scrape the gelatin into the pumpkin mixture. Pour and scrape the mixture into a large mixing bowl and let pumpkin mixture cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Beat the egg whites until they hold soft peaks and slowly add the remaining sugar, beating until the whites are firm and the sugar has been fully incorporated. Beat half of the whites into the pumpkin mousse. Add the remaining whites, folding them in gently.
Beat the cream until it is stiff and fold it into the mousse. Divide prepared mousse among parfait or wine glasses. Chill until set, at least 2 hours or up to a day.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 198, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 30 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 112 milligrams, Sugar 27 grams, TransFat 0 grams