Pumpkin Mousse

By ctozzi

Martha Stewart Living November 2011 - pg. 40

Ingredients

• Pate Brisee:
• 1 envelope unflavored powdered gelatin (1 scant tablespoon)
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons canned unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of freshly ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Sweetened whipped cream, for serving (optional)
• Pastry Leaves, for garnish (optional; see Pate Brisee recipe)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt
• 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

Preparation

Step 1

1.In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over the cold water, and let soften 5 minutes. Cook softened gelatin over medium heat, swirling pan, just until gelatin is dissolved; do not let boil. Let cool completely.

2.Place pumpkin puree in a large bowl. Stir in softened gelatin, then add egg yolks, maple syrup, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, allspice, salt, white pepper, and rum. Whisk until fully blended.

3.With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk egg whites and the sugar to soft peaks. Gently fold egg-white mixture into pumpkin mixture to combine. Whip heavy cream on medium high to stiff peaks, then gently but thoroughly fold into pumpkin mixture.

Pate Brisee:

1.Pulse flour, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. Drizzle 1/4 cup ice water evenly over mixture. Pulse until mixture holds together when pressed between 2 fingers (dough should not be wet or sticky). If dough is too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse.

2.
Shape dough into 1 large disk or 2 small disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.



4.Divide mousse among 8 to 10 glasses; refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day, covered with plastic wrap. If desired, top each with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and a pastry leaf before serving.



Cook's Note

Food Safety Note: The eggs in this recipe are not cooked.