Thanksgiving Chocolates

It's getting very close. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have my health, a loving husband, a comfortable home and I live in a wonderful community. The new kitchen is working out well, we're seeing a slight ray of hope in Maui tourism and weddings and the crispness of fall is in the air - even on Maui. All is well.

This blog will be short and sweet (pardon the pun) because I've got to get busy with Thanksgiving chocolates. I have a selection that will blend well with the holiday at hand. What you see above you is what will be shipped, with only slight variations depending on availability. In addition to the 12 piece box you will also recieve a 6 piece box that's great for giving. If you are not cooking this year it can serve as a nice hostess gift

I promise there will be something caramel, something coffee, something coconut, something crunchy and salty, something creamy, and, of course, something passion fruit. I'll be shipping twice during the week of the 16th so you'll have your chocolates in plenty of time for Thanksgiving.

The standard selection is what is shown after you click on the PayPal button. If larger quantities are desired, please contact me directly so I can adjust the shipping. If I use a larger flat rate box, I'm able to pack more inside with a much better shipping cost than the site would automatically calculate. As always, you can e-mail me at cynthia@cynthiaschmidt.com. I'm working on a website that has more options but my learning curve is big so bear with me.

I have a recipe to share. I saw a recipe for white chocolate mousse on television, tried it and found it too heavy on the whipping cream for me. So, I made some adjustments and lightened it up. I hope you enjoy it.

WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

7 oz white chocolate, chopped in small pieces

1 egg yolk in a small bowl whisked together with

2 Tbsp sugar

1 egg white in a medium mixing bowl

1/4 C whipping cream in a 1 qt. saucepan

1/2 C whipping cream in a medium mixing bowl

whisk

4 small serving bowls or wine glasses

wooden spoon

large mixing bowl

hand mixer

Warm the 1/4 cup of cream in the saucepan on medium heat until just before boiling

Pour a little into the egg yolk/sugar mixture to temper it while stirring

Pour back into the pan and gently heat while stirring with the wooden spoon until slightly thickened and the mixture sticks to the back of the spoon

Remove from heat and pour the white chocolate directly into the hot egg/cream mixture

Stir until smooth and the chocolate is completely melted

Pour into your large mixing bowl

Beat the egg white until soft peaks form

Beat the 1/2 cup of cream until ribbons form

Fold the egg white into the chocolate mixture

Fold the cream into the mixture next

When everything is well blended, divide among the serving glasses and chill at least 3 hours

Top with shaved dark chocolate or fresh berries.