Valentine Parfait: White Chocolate Mousse with Red Raspberry

[Kitchen Witch]

Valentine Parfait: White Chocolate Mousse with Red Raspberry Coulis


RASPBERRY SAUCE
2 10-ounce packages frozen raspberries in syrup
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or other liqueur (optional)

MOUSE
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup milk
5 ounces white chocolate** -- broken up
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Combine undrained berries and lemon juice in processor or blender and purée. Strain, pressing with back of spoon. Add sugar, cornstarch, water and liqueur; blend well. Place in saucepan over medium heat and bring to boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and continue stirring one minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool until ready to use.

In a glass measuring cup, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and allow mixture to soften for 1-2 minutes. Microwave on HIGH 20-40 seconds and allow to stand for 2 minutes, or until granules are completely dissolved. (Alternatively, place cup in a bowl of hot water and stir until completely dissolved.) In a small saucepan bring milk to the simmering point. Remove from heat and add white chocolate. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Blend gelatin into chocolate mixture and refrigerate until slightly thickened but not gelled ? about 10 minutes.

Whip cream until stiff and peaks hold their shape. Fold white chocolate mixture into whipped cream . Beginning with raspberry sauce, alternate layers of mousse with raspberry sauce into tall parfait glasses. Refrigerate 1-2 hours. To serve, garnish with partially frozen whole berries, or fresh if available.





NOTES : Luxuriously light but deliciously decadent, this rich, white chocolate mousse and red raspberry coulis (pronounced "coo - lee") parfait is a delicate balance of the holiday's two favorite ingredients. These perfect partners combine to produce a velvety smooth dessert with a simple elegance that makes it a fitting finale to a quiet valentine dinner for two, or an ideal company dessert as well. It can be made ahead and uses frozen berries from your local grocery freezer case.

**Real white chocolate contains cocoa butter. Tobler, Lindt or Bakers' are good choices.