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Why I love it: This gourmet dessert has a complex and sophisticated flavor but the recipe is very easy (foolproof really) and the preparation is quick (~20 minutes, plus about an hour of chilling).
I got the idea for this flavor combination from a biscotti recipe I saw recently. While I am not a big fan of biscotti I did like the sound of almond, orange and anise together so I used them in this dessert. It’s a very creamy, light and fluffy mousse that is a perfect finish for a gourmet dinner.
I built the mousse on an egg yolk and sugar base that I flavored with orange zest, almond extract and ground anise seeds. After that I folded in whipped cream and whipped egg whites and stiffened the whole thing with gelatin. It’s a dessert that tastes like a lot of work went into it but in reality it’s very easy to make and just about impossible to mess up. I suggest you eat it by taking a bite out of an orange slice, then follow up with a spoonful of mousse and repeat.
Almond Orange Mousse with Anise
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
- 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon ground anise
- orange slices
- finely chopped almonds
Instructions:
- Whip the two egg whites to stiff peaks. Put in the fridge.
- Whip the cream with 1 teaspoon sugar to stiff peaks. Put in the fridge.
- Add gelatin along with 3 tablespoons of cold water to a saucepan. Let sit for about 4 minutes.
- Whisk the egg yolks with 1/3 cup sugar, orange zest, almond extract and anise in a bowl until creamy.
- Heat the bloomed gelatin just until dissolved.
- Whisk the gelatin into the egg yolk mix.
- Fold in the cream.
- Fold in the egg whites.
- Cover and chill in the fridge until set (about 1 hour).
- Scoop the cream onto individual plates and serve with orange slices and chopped almonds.
Nutrition
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oh this picture is just perfection Nicole! The spoon and the black on black looks just brilliant!
Thank you so much, Angela!! :)
…and repeat and repeat and repeat. GREG
Correct! :)
This is so gorgeous Nicole! I love the simplicity and contrast of this shot. Great work!
Thank you so much, Ana! That means a lot to me, you put a big smile on my face. :)
Sounds and looks so lovely. But not too lovely that it would make me not want it. I’m with you in taking a bite out of an orange slice, then follow up with a spoonful of mousse and repeat. Yes please!
Indeed, like Marisa said it’s like tequila shots (only much milder and more pleasant). Hope you’re having a great weekend. :)
Could this be the same method as taking a drink of tequila? You take a bite of lemon, a lick of salt and then a swig of that nasty stuff? But really, my feelings are really hurt!! You don’t like biscotti??? I love biscotti — naturally I’m Italian but I love the crunch and the shape and all of the different flavors you can make. You can eat them as is or you can dunk them. Well I guess everyone has their opinion. I just bet you haven’t had one of our biscotti!! I love your picture and the recipe sounds divine :-)
That’s right, I was thinking of tequila shots actually! Well, it is true that I haven’t had your biscotti but so far any biscotti I’ve tried I truly did not like. :)