White Choc Pepper Mousse Napoleon
Description
This sophisticated White Chocolate Pepper Mousse Napoleon offers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tart flavors. The airy mousse, infused with a hint of black pepper and orange liqueur, sits atop delicate, crunchy ginger-sesame tuiles. A vibrant apricot compote provides a fresh, fruity contrast that cuts through the richness of the white chocolate. It is a visually stunning dessert perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.Directions
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In a medium saucepan, combine the dried apricots, water, granulated sugar, and orange liqueur.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
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Remove 12 whole apricots from the compote and set aside for garnish.
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Pour the remaining liquid and apricots into a food processor fitted with the metal blade.
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Process for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth.
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Transfer the purée to a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
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For the tuiles, whisk together flour, sesame seeds, and ground ginger in a small bowl.
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In a medium saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, and honey.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and mixture is warm, about 5 minutes.
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Transfer the butter mixture to the bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
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At low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture.
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Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
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Continue mixing at low speed until the batter is just warm, about 5 minutes.
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Cover the bowl and let the batter sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C) and position a rack in the center.
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Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
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Drop two 1-teaspoon-size balls of batter onto the sheet, 6 inches apart.
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Bake for 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown.
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Let tuiles cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Repeat baking process, respraying the sheet as necessary, until all batter is used.
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For the mousse, coarsely chop white chocolate.
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Heat heavy cream, water (divided), and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
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Sprinkle unflavored powdered gelatin over the remaining water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
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Add bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture and stir until dissolved.
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Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped white chocolate and let stand for 1 minute.
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Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
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Add orange liqueur and freshly ground black pepper.
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Whisk in egg yolks one at a time until incorporated.
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Refrigerate the mousse mixture for 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Whip the remaining heavy cream (if using full recipe yield) or fold whipped cream into the chocolate mixture if preferred for lighter texture, until soft peaks form.
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To assemble, place a tuile on a serving plate.
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Spoon a layer of white chocolate mousse over the tuile.
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Add a layer of chilled apricot compote.
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Top with another tuile and repeat layers if desired.
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Garnish with reserved whole apricots and a dusting of black pepper.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 45g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.