Chocolate Strawberry Mousse

Ingredients

• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon gelatin (optional)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Begin by melting the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
3. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture until smooth.
4. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
5. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Puree the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Add gelatin dissolved in warm water if a firmer mousse is desired.
7. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the strawberry puree until even.
8. Divide the mixture into serving glasses, layering with the chocolate mousse. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
9. Puree the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove seeds and create a smooth sauce.
10. Drizzle over the layered mousses before serving.