| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 620 | 32g | 20g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 3g | 15g | 0.20g |
The words “Elderflower and White Chocolate Mousse” may initially sound like a fanciful daydream of a dessert, but trust me, dear friend, it’s a reality which I hold very close to my heart. The elegance of elderflower, fused with the creamy sinfulness of white chocolate, is the perfect homage to my Montana upbringing. Yet, it’s a tad more sophisticated and a delightful venture away from the traditional flavors of bison burgers and huckleberry pies.
Tracing the Origin and Health Benefits
Gleaning inspiration from the rancher’s favorites of the Montana region, I was intrigued when my first encounter with elderflower happened. If you’re not familiar, the elderflower is quite the superstar in its own right. It possesses potent immune-boosting qualities, aiding the body’s defense against bacteria and viruses. Incorporating it in our Elderflower and White Chocolate Mousse, hence, not only tickles the taste buds but provides a health benefit as well.
Complementing the elderflower is, of course, the luxurious white chocolate. Yes, it’s decadent, but it’s also an incredible source of antioxidants. In fact, unlike its darker variants, white chocolate is rich in stearic and palmitic acids, which are known to maintain cardiac health.
The Perfect Pairing
This mousse is a feast for the senses on its own, but to take the gastronomic journey to the next level, let’s ponder on what more could one want? What about a well-paired entrée, or perhaps a tart, fruity companion?
A dish as decadent as this one could contrast beautifully with a Grilled Venison Chop dressed in Raspberry sauce. The robust flavors of the venison coupled with the tanginess of the raspberry would provide an excellent set-up for the rich indulgence of our Elderflower and White Chocolate Mousse. What’s more, a fruit salad boasting fresh-picked huckleberries or a tart Blackberry Apple Crumble, would run alongside in perfect harmony, bringing that added burst of freshness to balance the ensemble.
Whether you are longing for a swig of nostalgia or wish to impress your guests at your next dinner party, this Elderflower and White Chocolate Mousse is your answer. So, without further ado, let’s transport your senses to a Montana-inspired culinary wonderland.
What You’ll Need
- 2 teaspoons of powdered gelatin
- 4 tablespoons of cold water
- 1 cup of elderflower cordial
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of white chocolate chips
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups of mixed fresh berries for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by dissolving the gelatin in the cold water. Set this aside to let it bloom, which should take approximately five minutes.
Step Two
While waiting, gently heat the elderflower cordial in a saucepan over low heat. Once it becomes warm, add in the gelatin and stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Remove from heat.
Step Three
Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy. Pour the warm elderflower and gelatin mixture carefully into the yolk and sugar mixture, and whisk until well combined.
Step Four
In a double boiler, melt the white chocolate. Once it’s fully melted, carefully pour it into the elderflower, gelatin, yolk, and sugar mix. Stir gently until it’s consistently mixed.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. In another bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually mix the whipped heavy cream and mascarpone cheese into the elderflower and white chocolate mixture.
Step Six
Beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until they form soft peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the white chocolate mousse mixture, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
Step Seven
Once everything is fully combined and smooth, spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or a large serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or until the mousse has set and become firm.
Step Eight
Before serving, garnish each mousse with a handful of fresh mixed berries. Enjoy this tasty Elderflower and White Chocolate Mousse chilled.
