Bailey's Chocolate Mousse

The holidays are the busiest time of the year...not only am I working, but I am a wife and a mother of three.  That means a lot of stockings to fill and presents to buy...being Santa isn't easy!
Besides the hustle of shopping theres also the whole "entertaining" part of the holidays that can be overwhelming, expensive and exhausting!
I find that by the time Christmas Day actually comes, I don't feel like eating.  Ive had several Christmas parties that Ive attended, bake sales, school events for the kids and my own holiday baking that Ive over indulged in.
By the end of Christmas Day dinner...I can't find room for dessert! 
But....this yet is going to be different! I have the easiest, most delicious dessert recipe that won't fill you up but will definitely be the 'icing on the cake!"
This dessert will have everyone guessing..."did they make it? or did they buy it?" 
Your guests will love it, you will love it.  Its light, smooth, creamy and chocolaty! What could be better than that?

7 ounces bittersweet chocolate 
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 Cup Whipping Cream
2 Tablespoons of Baileys
1/4 cup brewed espresso (you can use any strong coffee as well)
3 large egg whites
1 pinch salt
3 Tablespoons of Sugar
1/4 cup of shaved chocolate for garnish (white chocolate, dark or milk)


~Melt the chocolate and the butter in a double boiler (or you can melt the butter in the microwave and stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted-the double boiler works better, however this is an option if you don't have access to a metal bowl)
~Whip the whipping cream to stiff peak and stir in the baileys and the coffee, refrigerate it until ready to use
~Whip the egg whites with the salt until foamy and gradually add in the sugar and whip until the egg whites are at a stiff peak
~Fold the whipping cream into the chocolate (do this in 2 additions or the cream will loose too much of the air whipped into it)
~Fold in all the whites, in one addition
~Pour the mixture into the desired serving cups and chill for 4 hrs until set
~You can top it with your chocolate shaving just before your ready to serve



If your having kids for company and don't want to leave them out, you can omit the bailey's.  It won't harm the recipe and it will still taste divine!
Feel free to mix up the toppings...Ive used chopped nuts, crushed Oreo cookie's and fresh raspberries.  They all work and all taste delicious!


Natalie