Buttermilk Chocolate Mousse Serves 4 to 6 You can't really taste the coffee, but it helps to give this mousse a real sophistication and depth. I semi-accidentally developed this recipe without egg yolks or butter, both of which are found in many chocolate mousse recipes. Still, it is rich and wonderful even without these enrichments. If the eggs in your area are questionable as far as salmonella, feel free to substitute an appropriate amount of meringue powder, available at many baking supply stores. 8 ozs. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee crystals 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 large egg whites 1/4 cup (1 3/4 ozs.) sugar, divided 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream, very cold -- Melt together over lowest heat the chocolate, buttermilk, and coffee crystals. Stir occasionally until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue stirring until mixture is completely smooth. It will be very glossy, and about the consistency of pudding. Remove from heat and allow to cool about 5 minutes. -- Beat the whipping cream on highest speed until roughly doubled in volume. Add half of the sugar and continue to beat on highest speed until cream forms stiff peaks. Set aside. -- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on highest speed until they are roughly tripled in volume and form soft peaks. Add the remaining sugar and continue beating until whites are stiff and glossy, but not dry. Set aside. -- Add to the chocolate mixture one large dollop each of the cream and egg whites. This will help to lighten the chocolate mixture. Gently fold these in and then fold the remainder of the cream and egg whites until no streaks remain. Spoon the mousse into decorative cups or small bowls and chill in the fridge at least 2 hours (or as long as overnight) before serving. Storage This is best served within 24 hours of being made; it doesn't keep well. OTHER FROZEN AND CHILLED RECIPES Catherine S. Vodrey is available for freelance writing, editing, fundraising/development, and photography projects at: Post Office Box 835 East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 USA E-MAIL: WordBanquet@gmail.com Thank you for visiting www.WordBanquet.com!