Chocolate hearts

Yield: 4 Hearts

Measure Ingredient
½ pounds Bittersweet chocolate
\N \N Raspberry Coulis (separate recipe follows)
\N \N Creme Anglaise (separate recipe follows)
\N \N Chocolate Mousse (separate recipe follows)
\N \N Royal Icing (separate recipe follows)

1. To temper chocolate, cut off one third; set aside. Break remainder into small pieces, and melt in a dry metal bowl over simmering water.

When chocolate reaches 100' on a chocolate thermometer, remove from wa- ter bath and add reserved chocolate. Stir until chocolate cools to 85'; remove unmelted pieces. Place over hot water again, and stir until chocolate reaches 90'.

2. Brush 8 heart-shaped molds with chocolate, a thin layer at a time.

Make shells as thin as possible but sturdy enough for filling.

3. Place molds in freezer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until chocolate begins to separate from mold. Without touching chocolate, turn shells out onto a parchment-covered baking sheet. Refrigerate until ready to fill.

4. Pour a thin laver of raspberry coulis onto dessert plates. Pour creme anglaise into a small parchment-paper pastry bag, and cut a tiny hole at the end. Dot perimeter of coulis with creme anglaise. In one circular motion, lightly drag a wooden skewer through dots to make heart shapes.

5. Using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe mousse into each shell, piling high. Carefully place a second shell on top.

6. Decorate tops of hearts as desired with royal icing, using a pastry bag with a small star tip. Refrigerate. Set hearts out at room temperature 20 minutes before serving.

MAKES 4 HEARTS, 4 To 6 INCHES WIDE

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