SINFUL CHOCOLATE MOUSSE DESSERT

Steps:

• For crust: combine crumbs and butter.
• Press on bottom and 2/3 up the sides of a 10 inch springform pan.
• Chill in freezer while making filling.
• For filling: Melt chocolate chips in the top half of a double boiler over simmering water.
• Let cool about 5 minutes.
• Add whole eggs, one at a time, beating well with each addition.
• (Chocolate will stiffen somewhat, just keep beating!) Add egg yolks and mix until thoroughly blended.
• Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
• Beat egg white until stiff, but not dry.
• Stir about 1/2 c of the whipped cream and 1/2 c the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture, to "lighten" it.
• Fold in remaining cream and whites until completely incorporated.
• Pour into prepared crust and chill at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
• To garnish: Sprinkle unflavored gelatin onto remaining 1 c whipping cream to soften.
• Add 4 T powdered sugar and whip until firm.
• This whipped cream will hold up indefinitely.
• Garnish top of dessert with this.
• You can be fancy and pipe rosettes, or just "fluff" it around the edge of the mousse with a fork.
• A dusting of cocoa powder is a nice finishing touch.
• For a real "show stopper", melt about 4 oz chocolate chips and 3/4 t solid vegetable shortening together.
• Coat the underside of waxy leaves, such as camillas, refrigerate until firm.
• Peel off the leaves and place the chocolate leaves around the edge of the mousse.