01 -
Put the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another.
02 -
Place your heat-safe bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir it until smooth, then set it aside to cool a bit.
03 -
Stir the egg yolks into the warm (but not hot) melted chocolate until it’s silky smooth. If you’re using vanilla, add it now too.
04 -
Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks.
05 -
While still mixing, slowly sprinkle in the sugar until the whites turn glossy and create stiff peaks.
06 -
Lightly mix about a third of the whipped whites into the chocolate mix to loosen it up. Then fold the rest in two more batches, being careful not to lose that fluffy texture.
07 -
Spoon the mousse into glasses or one big bowl, cover it up, and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
08 -
Top with whipped cream, chocolate curls, or fresh fruit just before serving.