Decadent Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse (Dairy-Free Option Available!)

 Okay, I’ll admit it — this isn’t the healthiest treat, but wow, it’s tasty! It’s gluten-free, and you can easily make it dairy-free if you swap the chocolate and use butter or dairy-free margarine. This one’s a classic family favourite — my great Aunty made it every Boxing Day without fail. So, if you're going to indulge a little — this one’s definitely worth it! It’s so rich and decadent, you’ll only need a small piece to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 185g cooking chocolate (I love Pana dark cooking chocolate, but any good quality chocolate will do!)

• 2–3 tablespoons of black coffee (either 1 tsp of instant coffee in 3 tablespoons of hot water, or freshly brewed if you’re feeling extra fancy)

• 2 teaspoons of rum, brandy, or if you're not keen on alcohol, 2–3 drops of vanilla extract (or organic vanilla paste for that extra oomph)

• 2 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free margarine if you’re keeping it plant-based)

• 3 large eggs

• Optional: Nuts, strawberries, raspberries, or thickened cream for decorating (lactose-free cream works if you tolerate casein, or go for a vegan cream recipe if you're dairy-free)

Method

1. Start by melting the chocolate and coffee together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir it gently until it’s smooth and melted (keep an eye on it — we don’t want any burnt chocolate here!).

2. Take the bowl off the heat and stir in the butter until it’s all melty and glossy.

3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, stirring well after each one.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. (They should stand up on their own when you lift the whisk out — no floppy whites allowed!).

5. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, making sure to keep it light and fluffy.

6. Pour the mousse into a dish and pop it in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better if you can wait!).

To Serve: Top with fresh berries, a sprinkle of nuts, or a dollop of thickened cream. This mousse is rich, so just a little goes a long way! Enjoy every bite — it’s a proper indulgence!