Black Forest Chocolate Mousse

We went from cold and rainy to hot and sticky – literally overnight.

Instantly – baked goods just didn’t sound good and we were all hungry for something smooth, creamy, and cool.

It was time for some mousse.

I found an interesting recipe in an old Ghirardelli cookbook – it was quick to make and didn’t heat up the kitchen.

I did make a few frugal substitutions – but the end result was still yummy!

Black Forest Chocolate Mousse

2 bars (4 ounces each) Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate (I used 1 cup of Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips – shh – don’t tell!)
2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup whipping cream
3/4  cup sugar
pinch salt
3 Tablespoons Kirsch (cherry liqueur – I used maraschino cherry juice)
1/2 cup sour cream
6 whole maraschino cherries

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate with the water over 1 inch of simmering water, stirring until smooth.

Whip the cream with the sugar and the salt. (I skipped this step and used a carton of Cool Whip!)

Gradually add the melted chocolate and Kirsch, beating at low speed until smooth.

Fold in the sour cream.

Spoon into serving dishes and chill.

I served to an enthusiastic audience with a dollop of Cool Whip and a maraschino cherry.

The recipe says it makes 6 (1/2 cup) servings – but I barely got 5. I think I may have sampled too much! 🙂

Enjoy!

PS Just a note on the photo – I would like to introduce my new photographer on staff here at The Chocolate Lady – my 11 year old daughter who’s blog name is Angel Girl. She had just a few days to practice before her brother left for a week at camp with the only camera she has ever used.

She was a trooper though and took several shots of of our finished mousse – with an unfamiliar camera – before we ate it.  When she went to upload them however – they didn’t turn out.

We couldn’t take another picture because we had devoured the dessert. Then I remembered the little bit of extra mousse I had hidden in the fridge so I could have a little taste later (I know none of you would ever do such a thing!). It wasn’t pretty though – just plopped in an old plastic container (part of the disguise – please don’t tell my kids!)

So I scooped out a spoonful, topped it with just a touch of Cool Whip – and voila! Angel Girl got her shot.

It still wasn’t  quite what we were looking for – but at least you get the idea! 🙂

And yes – now Angel Girl knows my secret.

And yes – I will let have some – okay all – of my secret stash.

And yes – I knew I shouldn’t eat it anyway! 🙂

I’ve linked this post up at Tempt My Tummy Tuesday on Blessed with Grace and Tasty Tuesday over at Beauty and Bedlam.