White Chocolate Cardamom Mousse with Spekulatius Crumbs

WhiteChocCardamomMousse06-framed[2]-1  

Isn't it funny how fast the holidays have raced past? Wasn't it just a few days ago I was fussing about my menu plan for Christmas Eve dinner, packing presents to help Santa with his huge duties and ranting on about what to wear at the New Year's Eve party with my girlfriends?

I was just getting used to sleeping late, enjoying late breakfasts with my boys, lazing into the day, visiting friends, reading or sledging with Soeren - that was the order of the day for the past 2 weeks. Now it's back to work, routines, appointments and the need to pick up the pace again. The last two weeks of December poofed away too fast. But they always do - every year!

Hopefully you all had a great start to your new year and are as excited to get on with the new and be done with the old as I am. I was just jotting down the vacations and upcoming highlights for 2010 and I have to say if the rest of the year looks as good as this then it's gotta be a good one. Just for starters, I will be getting visitors from Nantes towards the end of January, maybe a trip to Dubai, Food Blogger Connect in June, summer in Norway and A-HA in Dresden with my Cook Sister! Not to mention spending a few fun weekends in and around Berlin as Tom starts a new episode in his life.

White Chocolate Cardamom Mousse with Spekulatius Crumbs (04) by MeetaK

Have you all made any resolutions for the new year? Tell me!

I am not much for resolutions I have to admit. I simply believe if I need to change something in my life then I should do it - at that point and not wait till the year ends. I am impatient by nature and waiting only dissatisfies me. Sure there are times when you do not have control over certain issues then there is a wait. But if I can control it then I can change it. So, here's to hoping that I have a lot of control over 2010!

I am afraid that you won't have much control over this sweet sin though. It was our Christmas Eve dinner dessert - a fluffy white chocolate mousse flavored sensually with the warmth of cardamom and sprinkled with spiced spekulatius crumbs. I made a few extras just in case any of our guests were craving seconds - what can I say? I should have made enough for thirds! 

White Chocolate Cardamom Mousse with Spekulatius Crumbs (02) by MeetaK 

White Chocolate Cardamom Mousse with Spekulatius Crumbs

Printable version of recipe here

Ingredients

Serves 4

180g white chocolate, coarsely chopped
300 ml whipping cream
1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, depending on the preferred intensity of cardamom
2 sheets gelatin
3 eggs, separated
120g spiced spekulatius cookies, coarsely crushed

 

Method

    1. Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir together the chocolate and cream in the bowl until the chocolate has melted. Set aside to cool.

    2. Soak gelatin in a small bowl of cold water for approx. 5 minutes, then squeeze excess water. Place the gelatin in a small saucepan and gently heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the chocolate-cream mixture and stir to dissolve the gelatin.

    3. Stir in the eggs into the slightly warm chocolate-cream mixture, then add the cardamom powder and the gelatin to the mixture and incorporate.

    4. Refrigerate for about 20 - 30 minutes, until the mixture has thickened slightly. 

    5. Beat the egg whites with electric beaters until firm peaks form. Fold into the cream mixture until evenly combined.

    6. Divide the mousse mixture into dessert bowls, glasses or cups, then refrigerate for 3 hours or preferably overnight until set.

    7. Before serving sprinkle generous amounts of the spekulatius crumbs over the top. Alternatively you can layer the mousse mixture with the crumbs. To do this you will need to fill your dessert glass half way, then sprinkle a thick layer of the spekulatius crumbs, pour a layer of the mousse mixture and finally top with another spekulatius crumb layer. The mousse mixture will have to be fairly thick to avoid the crumbs sinking into the mousse while layering so increase the initial refrigeration time in step 4. accordingly.



Food Guide Tips:
- Delicious and crispy homemade spekulatius cookies.
- Everything you need to know about white chocolate
- Cardamom - a versatile spice

 

 

 


Verdict

 WhiteChocCardamomMousse08-framed[2]

A nice way to kick off the new year – don’t you think? A treat to satisfy all your sweet teeth - and I know there are a few of them out there. It certainly satisfied ours. Mousse is always an all time favorite - being elegant and exquisite, fluffy, and dense, moist and simply irresistible in every way. White chocolate epitomized the white Christmas we were having, while the cardamom added the warming glow and the spekulatius crumbs were an added crunchy bonus to play-off against the smoothness of the entire dessert. It went down with our friends quite well - I watched them savor each bite - slowly and almost affectionately - until I told them there was plenty for another round.

My latest article on the FoodieView Blog is all about Mesmerizing Macarons so if you are looking for ideas or a little kick-start to make these tantalizing treats come on over and have a look and the huge variety I have listed for you!

You might like these creamy desserts from WFLH:

Chai Latte Cream Panna Cotta - Strawberry with Balsamic Red Wine Syrup Persimmon Honey Nut Yogurt Verrines

 

All through January the Spotlight on the Archives is on:

Roasted Pumpkin and Chocolate Bread Pudding
Roasted Pumpkin and Chocolate Bread Pudding 


All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2010 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First

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43 comments:

  1. FOr my next dinner party I am sure gonna make this Meeta. Looks and sounds delicous.
    Looks like you are going to have a busy busy year.
    Happy New year to you, Tom and Soreen.

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  2. That's a lovely way to kick off the New Year! Happy New Year to you Meeta!

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  3. Ohh my!! What a wonderful set of photographs. Loved the first one the most. What a wonderful use of color.

    Thank you for sharing.

    - Neel

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  4. Happy New Year Meeta!! "Almost affectionately.." is how I would have these... beautiful flavors and I love the crumbs.

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  5. I'm not a mousse person but your white chocolate cardamon mousse looks so good that I'm willing to try it. :)

    Great pics. Love your props.

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  6. What a heavenly combination! Refined and so mouthwatering...

    Happy New Year!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  7. Mousse of any description is always one of my favourite desserts. I love the little jars with gold ribbon round them. Happy New Year! xx

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  8. I love mousse and this looks mouthwatering! I would love to have just a little bite of that right now, but I am trying to eat healthy and I know I wouldn't just eat one little bite!

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  9. What a wonderful dessert. Your photos are amazing like always!

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  10. This definitely a sweet and divine way to begin the new year Meeta! Looks heavenly...all the best!

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  11. goodness that's beautiful looking and fantastic sounding.

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  12. Meeta, That looks delicious... I am frequent visitor of your blog and love your presentation and pictures... Happy New Year to you!

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  13. what a lovely recipe and beautiful photo's ...i dont think we get spiced spekulatius cookies here will normal cookies work?
    Compliments of the season :)

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  14. I just love anything with cardamom. Sounds delicious!

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  15. beautiful colours. I am yet to try anything with white chocolate.

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  16. Mm, white chocolate mousse sounds so rich and decadent and I love cardamom! Sounds like an action packed year ahead for you Meeta, looking forward to reading all about it.

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  17. Thanks everyone for all your comments. this was a sinful treat and glad that everyone is liking it! also many thanks for all the best wishes. hugs!

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  18. Oh Meeta! You had me at Spekulatius! These look divine and I remember you telling me about it when you were making them. Amazing flavour combinations, even though I'm not a big fan of white chocolate, I can just imagine it would work well in this mousse - Yum! Gorgeous photos too as always!

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  19. Hi Meeta,

    I've only just discovered your blog and it is a feast for the eyes. So beautiful ... thank you for sharing.

    I'm hoping to make your nutella rolls tonight!

    Gillian

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  20. There is no way that you could resolve NOT to eat this dessert! It looks stunning! Looks like you have a busy year ahead of you - can't wait to see what 2010 brings in terms of new experiences for you and new desserts for us!

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  21. That looks delicious! I've said it before and i'll say it again. Your photos are fabulous!! Guess You are not the only good looking thing on your blog...

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  22. Meeta, what lovely flavors you put together here! The dessert looks so silky and pretty. Lovely!

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  23. I never get tired of gazing at your photos. Everything looks so good! Happy New Year.

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  24. Heya Meeta wish you a very Happy New Year, hope you have a fabulous year ahead :)

    White chocolate mousse sounds absolutely fantastic, the flavours are almost coming thru the screen to me :)

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  25. What amazing photos....I love this recipe. I love cardamom....with a bit of orange wow....You'll have to give me tips for taking photos of drinks in glasses!!!!!!!

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  26. I was amazed with all the photos that you posted! I envy you for you can capture the beauty of every dish! It makes it more appetizing!

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  27. Sounds delicious and great pictires! Happy New Year to you Meeta!

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  28. I tried this one but it did not turn out to be as good as yours. But it was appreciated by all in our family. Next time I want to try making it still better. I have already taken out print of your recipe.

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  29. Meeta,
    This one looks so yum and creamy. I am a little speculative of the uncooked egg, will there be any eggy smell in the mousse?

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  30. Well you see the problem is that lovely little treats like this are kind of not on the list right now, due to my new year resolution to loose weight! (that's a classic newyear resolution anyway, isn't it?) It does look gorgeous though!

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  31. I hear you, sister: where did those halcyon days of sleeping late, slothing about in slippers, lazy lunches and late-night movies go?? But as you say, much to look forward to this year - roll on summer and Morten! Hope you had a fantastic festive season, and these desserts look just heavenly!

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  32. And we still need a vacation so Weimar it is! And I expect to eat well! This mousse is absolutely mouthwateringly beautiful and the photos and styling is stunning. You are amazing. White chocolate and cardomom sounds fabulous!

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  33. thank you everyone for all the comments and for liking the dessert!

    Mowie - I knew you'd come over at the mere mention of spekulatius!

    Gillian hope they worked and tasted good!

    Dharm - i am not! aww schucks. gotta do something about that!

    Sudeshna - no there was no "eggy" flavor or smell to the mousse at all.

    Jeanne - can't wait for you to get here. but we'll see each other at the FBC before that too. Oh and yes I'd like to roll on Morten!! Did I just say that out loud?

    Jamie - once you get here I promise you'll eat well! Just get here OK?

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  34. I am ENVIOUS Meeta...what a packed & totally fun 2010 calendar you have. Good for you girl! That's a helluva gorgeous mousse you made. Bee-yoo-ti-ful!!

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  35. Yes Meeta, they worked a treat!

    I hope it's ok but I've added a link to your blog into my blog roll ... I have a feeling I'll be visiting again (and again)!

    Gillian

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  36. I'm not much for deserts but this looks and sounds delicious. I migh even give it a go. Thanks for posting.

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  37. While I'm not a huge fan of white chocolate, your mousse looks gorgeous. And I believe cardamom can take anything at least one level higher! :)

    Looks like your 2010 is going to be full of excitement and fun, starting with Jamie's visit.

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  38. i just happened to stumble upon your blog, and i'm so glad i did! - cardamom is one of my favorite things in the whole world, and this recipe looks like my idea of heaven! - can't wait to try it - and i've just bookmarked your blog so i can keep checking back! - thanks!

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  39. Made this mousse, they were really yumm.
    We all loved it, Thankyou for the recipe, i have just posted them in my place.

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  40. Luv your site....only wish I could join...Will continue to follow your post....Have a great weekend........

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Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hugs
Meeta