Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (or 1 1/2 cups frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained.
- Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother mousse, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, but this step is optional.
- Bloom the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the water and become spongy.
- Dissolve the Gelatin:
- Place the gelatin mixture in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear. Do not let it boil. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Gelatin and Strawberry Mixture:
- Gently stir the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree, ensuring it is evenly mixed. Let this mixture cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This can be done with an electric mixer or a whisk, though an electric mixer is recommended for ease.
- Fold the Mixtures Together:
- Take a small portion of the whipped cream and fold it into the strawberry mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream, being careful not to deflate it too much. The goal is to incorporate the whipped cream while keeping the mousse light and airy.
- Chill the Mousse:
- Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. The mousse should be firm but still creamy when served.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. You can also sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers or crumbled cookies on top for added texture.
Tips and Variations:
- For a Lighter Mousse: You can use half-and-half or reduced-fat cream, though the mousse might not be as rich.
- Flavor Variations: Try using other berries like raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries, or mix them for a berry medley.
- For Added Texture: Incorporate finely chopped strawberries into the mousse mixture just before chilling.
Serving Suggestions:
Strawberry mousse is perfect for a light and refreshing dessert after a meal. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more decadent touch, serve with a side of shortbread cookies or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
