Spruce Chocolate Mousse

5 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped

1 ounce unsalted butter

3 large eggs separated

8 ounces heavy cream

¼ cup plus 2 T. caramelized spruce syrup

1/8 tsp. salt

 

Whisk the egg yolks and ¼ cup of the spruce syrup over a double boiler until doubled in volume, then reserve. Combine the whites with the 2 T. of syrup and whisk in a double boiler until soft peaks form, then remove from the heat and whisk to full volume by hand. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks and reserve. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler, then mix with the egg yolk mixture. Fold ¼ of the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk-chocolate mixture until combined, then mix in the rest. Finally, gently fold in the cream until just incorporated. Put the mixture into a piping bag with a fluted tip, then pipe into dishes and chill until ready to serve. It can also be scooped with a disher or scoop dipped in hot water. Notes: Yield: roughly 4 C., enough to serve 8-10 people a small scoop. This is rich stuff.