CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT MOUSSE

Although this is absolutely amazing on it's own, I actually made it as a filling for the chocolate cake that I posted back in October. That cake was amazing as I posted it, but adding this filling makes it absolutely unparalleled. I can honestly say that I think the cake I made yesterday was the best cake I have ever tasted. But, like I said, I would definitely eat this mousse on its own any day! It's very rich, but a little bit of this mousse in a sweet little bowl would make the perfect dessert after any meal!

chocolate hazelnut mousse

5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup hazelnut liqueur (you could substitute water here if you'd like!)
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup Ghirardelli dark chocolate cocoa powder
1 cup heavy cream, chilled

Heat water to boiling in the lower half of a double boiler. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and sugar together in the top bowl of the double boiler until the mixture is uniform and light in color. Place over the boiling water and whisk until slightly thickened. Add the hazelnut liqueur and then continue to whisk over the simmering water until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Stir until the mixture becomes cool to the touch, about 5-10 minutes. In a separate, larger bowl, beat the heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold the chocolate into the cream. Cover and chill for 4 hours. You can serve this alone, with some cocoa powder dusted for garnish, or use it as a filling in chocolate cake!