Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Dessert Everyone Keeps Talking About~

Sorry I've been a bit MIA.  I promised myself that I would not get caught up in all the holiday frenzy this year, and would take the time to soak it all in.


This past Monday, I hosted a brunch for the Children's Bible study team I work with, 15 of them!

I so enjoyed having a house full of my favorite Christian friends and role models.  It truly was a blessing.


I served Baked Potatoes along with all the toppings (butter, sour cream, bacon bits, shredded cheese, broccoli, broccoli with cheese sauce and chili).  I also served my favorite spinach and pear salad along with an apple salad a dear friend brought and fruit another was kind enough to bring as well. The baked potato bar was a HUGE hit!!

But, the piece de resistance was the dessert I served.  White chocolate peppermint mousse.


White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

Coastal Living December 2012

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Garnish:  crushed peppermint candies

Preparation:
1. Heat 3/4 cup cream in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.  Remove from heat, and add chocolate, stirring until melted.  Stir in peppermint extract; cool completely.
2. Beat remaining 3/4 cup cream until firm peaks form.  Fold chocolate mixture gently into whipped cream mixture.  Spoon mousse into 8 (3-ounce) cups or glasses; garnish, if desired.  Chill until ready to serve.

For a bit of added flair, I added a tablespoon or so of crushed Trader Joes Gluten Free Peppermint Joe Joes to the bottom of the cup prior to adding the mousse, and topped with a small candy cane.  Everyone loved the chocolate crumbles in the bottom.  You could use Oreos, Joe Joes (they are sold out of the Gluten Free version currently), or my girlfriend suggested a brownie bite, YUM!!

Easy to make and everyone loved them.  I have been asked for the recipe several times this week.

Enjoy!!

11 comments:

Rustown Mom said...

That sounds like a lot of fun and very delish, too! I love a fully loaded baked potato. (:

Stacey said...

Baked potato bars are the best for a big group! I'm proud of you for relaxing and enjoying this time. I'm trying to do the same. Having about 40 neighborhood ladies over at 7 tonight. Resting right now. :)

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Lauren, was thinking about you and wondering if you were ok. The brunch looks positively delish! Enjoy your week.

Freckles Chick said...

I'm so happy to hear that you're all about soaking up the essence of this season. I've been on sensory overload with all these holiday home tours and social media!

This mousse looks amazing. You had me at peppermint!

Xoxo

NanaDiana said...

What fun, Lauren. I just saved thst recipe over to my files and will try it out! Thanks! xo Diana

Michele @ The Joyful Home said...

Yum! We had a potato bar at our wedding, and everyone loved it. I need to do that again. Can't wait to try out this dessert--peppermint and chocolate is one of my favorite combinations!

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Lauren, what a fun idea to have a baked potato bar with all the fixings. I am so doing that, thank you for sharing!! That mousse sounds soooo good too. Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season!!

Ron said...

YUM!!!!! I want to try:)

Tery H said...

That looks and sounds so delicious! At the top of our street is a cafe called Potato Valley and everything is on a baked potato. It's the best! I love a good baked potato. Your dessert looks simple and delicious-perfect for me!

pam {simple details} said...

What great ideas, Lauren!! I entertain all the time and have never thought to do a potato bar, and your dessert sounds divine! You still have a couple more weeks to soak it in! :)

Amy@eatsleepdecorate said...

Pinning this for Christmas Eve! Thanks for the great recipe!