Chocolate Mousse

Serves: to serve 4

Prep Time: 15 Minutes + waiting

Ready In: 15 mins
+ waiting

8 oz - plain chocolate

1 oz - salted butter

6 - fresh eggs

1 tablespoon - vanilla sugar

pinch - salt

Cut or break the chocolate into small pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter then melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring regularly until everything is blended together. Many people do not add butter, but in fact this helps the chocolate to remain "liquid" even as it cools.
Separate the yolk and the white of one egg (yolk in a small bowl, white in a larger one). Beat the yolk gently for a few seconds. Now separate the other five eggs, adding the yolks and whites to their respective bowls. Add the sugar to the yolks then beat well. (If you can't get vanilla sugar, use ordinary sugar and add one teaspoon of vanilla essence)
Add the beaten yolks and sugar to the melted chocolate, mix well and allow to cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites then whisk them well until they become stiff.
Fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture little by little. Take care to fold the mixture rather than just stir, because this allows the air to remain in the mix. When you have folded in all the egg whites and have a consistent mixture, spoon into ramekins (or one larger serving bowl if you wish) and leave in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
You can serve chocolate mousse in a variety of ways. Add a twist of whipped cream on top. Do a white chocolate mouse and add a few fresh raspberries. Grate a little chocolate or sprinkle a few small chocolate buttons over the top just before serving. Sprinkle crushed walnuts or a few mini marshmallows over the top. The list is as long as your imagination!