Mousse....again

In regards to my last post...I have NOT made the balsamic mousse yet. I'm actually kind of nervous to do it, consider it's a weird ingredient to work with for a dessert...or maybe I'll make it a savory mousse, but again, mousse isn't usually a savory dish. Anyways, to get back on track. I'm thinking of doing the balsamic mousse, and reducing the DELICIOUS tangerine-balsamic vinegar that I got from "From Olives and Grapes" In cocoa Village. Once it's reduced I'll whip 3 or so egg whites to medium peaks and fold them into the cooled reduction. Once the egg whites are well incorporated I'll beat cream with...say 1/2 cup sugar to 1 cup cream...to hard peaks, then fold THAT into the egg-balsamic mixture. I'll let it set for an hour or two in the fridge, covered of course, and then serve the interesting mousse in watermelon cups, since we all know watermelon and vinegar go so well together....we'll see. I promise I'll do it this week!

On another note. I DID make a Ricotta Mousse, which turned out much better than I expected. I took about 3/4 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese...use authentic Italian recipe ricotta(or make your own) because American ricotta has vinegar in it, which can de-stabilize the mousse. Gently stir the ricotta to break it up a little bit. DO NOT over mix, otherwise...you get canoli filling which is NOT what we're going with!! beat 2 egg whites to medium peaks using cream of tartar-about 1/2 tsp.-to stabilize the egg whites since the ricotta is so heavy. Beat 3/4 cup cream with about 1/2 cup sugar-more to taste if necessary...the cream should be sweeter than you actually want it to be since the ricotta isn't sweet...beat the cream to medium/stiff peaks and fold that into the ricotta-egg white mixture. Once all that is done, let the mousse settle for about an hour or two. And it's ready to enjoy! My favorite way to serve this mousse, since it is such a unique and subtle flavor that can adapt to many different uses, is to put down sliced strawberries then mousse on top of that, then MORE sliced strawberries, then melted chocolate on top of that. Put it in the fridge about 5 minutes, to harden the chocolate and ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Let me know what you think?!

Mousse

I do believe this is my signature dessert. Never before had I made a mousse until I started my current job. And now, I can't stop thinking of things to make mousse's...meese?...out of. My newest one i'm thinking of is a Balsamic mousse, using a balsamic reduction of a Tangerine-Balsamic vinegar that I purchased from "From Olives and Grapes". I made a ricotta mousse, that I had a dream about and decided to carry out. Turn out AMAZING, by the way. So, on my next day off, I'm going to attempt a Tangerine-Balsamic Mousse. We'll see!!

Must Eat's in Key West!!

So, my husband and I just returned from our three day short, paradise vacation in BEAUTIFUL Key West Florida. The best part, aside from the ocean...was the FOOD!!! Some of the best, most luscious food I have ever eaten! We spent the majority of our trip eating, and what a wonderful trip it was!
To start--Santiago's Bodega Which is a Tapa's(little appetizers...kinda) Place. EXCELLENT food, and just right portions that allow you to try several different things. Nothing here costs more the $13, so if you decide it's not your cup of tea...er, plate of tapas, you can order something else without feeling too guilty. But, be warned...the SPICY shrimp bisque is certainly spicy, though equally delicious! The delicious food-especially the French Onion Soup-met my high expectations! The sangria is also super yummy, with the right amount of tannin and sweetness! Located On Petronia Street about 1/2 mile west of Duval St.

Dessert--Better Than Sex Dessert Cafe is almost that! With the BEST cheesecake I have ever had and a homemade caramel sauce that is to die for! You can also get your wine in a chocolate dipped glass. The BEST Moscato d' Asti I have ever had! My husbands brownie sunday-provacatively named "Jungle Fever" was gooeing with chocolate and ice cream! The ambience was romantic and seductive, the food sensual, and the experience arrousing ;) Not the best place for families, for a MUST for couples! They are, however and unfortunately, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Located on Petronia Street about 1/4 mile West of Duval St.

Breakfast--My new favorite bakery! Croissant de France right on Duval St. about half way down. Everything is Made fresh daily on premises by real french people!! The BEST beignet I have ever had, stuffed with one of the best things God ever made...Nutella!! My husband had the Key Lime Beignet which was equally delicious. I nearly bought out the shop on our way home. They have everything French! Baquettes, croissants, tarts, cakes, everything! You MUST try the Ginger Molasses cookies! Yumm-e! Seriously delicious stuff!! A MUST in Key West!

Dinner--We ate our Anniversary Dinner at Roof Top Cafe about 2 blocks west of Duval on Front St. Beautifully Decorated with lights and trees! A romantic and inviting ambience, with a large selection of wines and cocktails. Considerably higher priced than some other restaurants in the area, but worth it! The Lobster & Gnocchi was to DIE FOR!!!! The nightly specials are yummy and decadent! And the key lime pie, topped with meringue, is a must!!

KEY LIME PIE!!!--Go to KERMITS!! more like a cheesecake than a pie, but soooo delicious! And totally themed for us tourists! They don't just have key lime pie though...they have Key Lime Wine, which I seriously recommend, BBQ sauce, honey, jam, soda, bath products, all themed appropriately. A beautiful outdoor seating area to enjoy your yummy pie. You might wanna get two slices...trust me, you'll want it!! Located about 5 blocks east of Duval on Greene St. But totally worth the walk!

I hope this helped, and I hope you enjoy your trip to Key West!