Chocolate = Love
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 1:00AM 
Chocolate is the nectar of the Gods and it helps convey our sentiments for each other, especially when paired with flowers on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate is a cure-all for matters of the mind, body and heart. It brings joy, laughter and delight, no matter your age. For the boys, it’s a salve for skinned knees, a tonic for hurt feelings and a reward for any job well done!
As the boys are busy making “Happy Valentines” for their classmates and special gifts for secret admirers, Marilyn and I are busy whipping up a batch of chocolate mousse. We’ve decided to ditch the store-bought chocolates in red heart boxes this year for this fabled homemade chocolate classic that everyone loves.
Remember, all you need is love… and chocolate. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Valentine’s Day Chocolate Mousse
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
Pinch kosher salt
2 tablespoons vanilla
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
4 tablespoons Grand Marnier (optional – for the adult version)
4 egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
Whipped cream
Shaved chocolate
Powdered sugar
Make a double boiler by pouring 2 cups of water in a wide saucepan. Select a metal bowl that fits in the saucepan without touching the water. Heat the water to a simmer over medium-low heat and place the bowl in the saucepan. Put in the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, chocolate and Grand Marnier (optional). Stir just until the chocolate melts.
Remove the bowl from the saucepan and set it aside to cool for about 5 minutes.
Add the egg yolks to the chocolate mixture and whisk it vigorously for 2 minutes.
Whip the cream to soft peaks with a whisk or an electric mixer and gently fold it, a little at a time, into the chocolate mixture. Spoon the mousse into small bowls or parfait cups, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve chilled mousse topped with an extra dollop of whipped cream or shaved chocolate and powdered sugar.
Note: The mousse can be made up to 8 hours in advance.
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