Chocolate Mousse Loaf

By west757

For all the lovers on Valentine's Day here is my contribution for a decadent chocolate dessert. This was modified by Abby Mandel for the "Cuisinart Classroom" cookbook. Super easy to make, especially with a food processor.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup Walnuts
• 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Water
• 6 ounces Unsalted Butter -- melted & hot
• 6 large Egg Whites
• 12 ounces Semisweet Chocolate
• 3 tablespoons Cocoa
• 1/3 cup Sugar
• 1 pinch Salt
• 4 large Egg Yolks

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from cnstylesociety.com

Preparation

Step 1

Generously butter the sides & bottom of a 1 quart glass loaf pan.Line bottom with parchment paper and butter paper.
 
In food processor, grate walnuts. Spread 1 c over bottom & sides of prepared pan. Reserve the remaining nuts. Wash and dry the work bowl.
 
MIx the vinegar and water in a small dish. Keep the butter hot on the stove and assemble all the other ingredients near the processor.
 
Put egg whites in clean food processor work bowl and turn on. Process 8 seconds, then pour the vinegar & water mixture through the feed tube while the machine is running. Process for 1 minute & 45 seconds, or until egg whites are whipped & hold their shape. Gently transfer to a mixing bowl. Do not wash work bowl.
 
Put chocolate, cocoa, sugar, & salt into the work bowl. Turn the machine on & off 4 times to chop the chocolate coarsley, then process for 1 minute until chocolate is finely chopped. With the machine running, pour the hot butter through the feed tube and process for 1 minute, until the chocolate is completely melted, stopping once to scrape down the sides of the workbowl. Add the egg yolks and process 10 seconds. Spoon the egg whites onto the mixture in a ring. Turn the machine on & off twice. Run a spatula around the sides of the workbowl to loosen the mixture. Turn machine on & off 3 more times until the ingredients are mixed. Some streaks of white may be visible; do not overprocess.
 
Transfer to the prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours, or until well chilled. Carefully separate the mousse from the pan using a thin knife or flexible spatula. Invert onto a serving platter and remove the pan. Press the remaining walnuts into any bare spots. Let the loaf set at room temperature for 1/2 hour before serving. Serve with a creme anglaise.  Makes 8-10 servings.
 
Note: the mousse can be prepared up to 1 month in advance, covered airtight and frozen. Let thaw, covered, for 24 hours in refrigerator.