Dad's chocolate mousse

This has been a staple in our household since it got the seal of approval from Gordie (Papa) when we first came over to NZ.

• 250g dark bittersweet or good-quality eating chocolate, chopped

• 2 cups chilled cream

• 4 egg whites

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Place chocolate and 1 cup of the cream in a saucepan. Stir over gentle heat or microwave at 50% power for 2 minutes until chocolate is melted. Cool.

Whisk egg whites in a clean bowl with sugar until stiff. In another bowl whisk remaining cream with vanilla until it forms firm peaks. Fold a third of the egg whites into the cooled chocolate to lighten the mixture. Fold in remaining egg whites then the cream.

Decant into cups, bowls or glasses of your choice. Chill until quite firm, about 4 hours or up to 24 hours, before serving. Prepared mousse can be covered and chilled for up to 48 hours.

Decorate just how you like it.