Chocolate-Strawberry Mousse

By AzWench

When you can't decide between chocolate and strawberry, you get the next best thing. This mouthwatering mousse brings two fabulous flavors together in one decadent dessert. Be sure not to forget the mint sprigs for the true culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 1 pint basket ripe strawberries, washed, stemmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur or 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1 1/2 cup whipping cream, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, toss strawberries and liqueur or orange juice; cover and refrigerate.

To make chocolate mousse: In a small saucepan, mix water with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 1 minute. Place chocolate pieces in container of electric blender. Immediately add hot sugar mixture. Blend until chocolate is melted and smooth.

In medium bowl, whip 3/4 cup of the cream to form stiff peaks. With rubber spatula, fold chocolate into cream to blend thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. Just before serving, whip the remaining 3/4 cup cream to form soft peaks. Beat in the remaining 1/2 tablespoons sugar and the vanilla.

In four 10 to 12 oz. stemmed wine glasses or in dessert bowls, layer mousse, whipped cream and strawberries, dividing equally. Garnish with mint sprigs.