Simple Elegance is *The Best*

Peanut Butter Mousse with Kaluah Ganach

As I’ve mentioned before, my husband may be the world’s worst chocoholic. I think one of the first things I ever really understood about my husband was his absolute adoration for all things chocolate.

When we were in college, my husband lived with my family for a summer while he worked in Washington D.C. In the middle of the summer, his office had a picnic. I made a chinese noodle salad with tofu, because there were a lot of vegans at his office. (The vegans almost all worked in the food-safety arm of the organization and would reassure you that you would be vegan too if you only knew what they know.)

After work, we were driving my little brother to his boy scout meeting. Before I tell you the rest of the story, it is important for you to know that my little brother was ten years old at the time, and the baby of the family. He is the only boy and has four older sisters.

“How was the salad?” I asked my husband, who was at that time just a lowly boyfriend.

“It was great, probably the best thing there.” Not being able to resist the urge to tease me, he added, “Well, except maybe for the chocolate cake.”

“C-!” came my little brother’s voice from the back seat, “You never tell a girl that hers is not the best.” Sounding thoroughly scandalized, he continued, “Hers is always the best. Even when it’s not. You tell her hers was the best. The other thing might have been good, but it was NOT the best.”

We erupted in laughter. My little brother is now seventeen, and has quite the magic touch with the ladies. So remember, whenever a girl asks you, hers is always the best.

Last night, when my husband was oohing and aaahing over this dessert, he said, “Amy, this may be the best dessert you made.” Forgive me for my skepticism, but he seems to label every chocolate dessert I make as *the best*. He may just be heeding my brother’s advice, but even I have to admit that this one is quite good. And, with only five ingredients, it makes a lovely indulgence for just about any occasion.

Peanut Butter Mousse with Kahlua Chocolate Ganache

serves 4

Peanut Butter Mousse

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter

2 tbs honey

Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks (I know this is an egg-white term, but I am at a loss for how else to describe this stage. You want the whip cream to be fairly firm, but don’t go too far or you will get butter.) In a medium bowl, mix together the honey and the peanut butter. Fold in the whipped cream in three additions. The mixture does not have to be fully incorporated. I like the way it looks and tastes when it is still slightly streaky. Spoon it into the glasses you would like to serve it from, and chill for at least 2 hours.
Kahlua Ganache

3 oz high quality bittersweet chocolate

2 tbs heavy cream

1 tbs kahlua

Chop the chocolate and melt it in the microwave (60 seconds on 60% power usually does the trick for me). Stir until smooth. Then stir in the heavy cream and the kahlua.

Top the mousse with the warm chocolate sauce and enjoy.