We are going on day seven of sick kids. Of course, my children decide to get sick when the weather turns nice. We have gone from freezing temps to mid 60’s in the matter of a week. Unfortunately, they have all been too sick to get out and really enjoy any of it.
I am also going on day two of no caffeine. I know two days doesn’t seem like much, but when you are stuck at home with sick children and aren’t getting much sleep at night because of it, two days seems longer than the entire Lenten season!
I was needing a little sunshine in my life today. I really wanted to drive down to McCormick’s and order one of their chocolate bags. If you haven’t had a McCormicks and Schmick’s chocolate bag, you are missing out on pure heaven. The chocolate bag is just that… a milk chocolate bag filled with creamy white chocolate mousse and fresh fruit.
I would love to have a copy of that recipe or at least something close. Today, I decided to try to recreate the mousse inside of the bag. I browsed several recipes and decided to give this one a try. Unfortunately, it wasn’t even close to the one from McCormicks. It was really good, but not as creamy or as chocolatey as the mousse I was trying to duplicate. It tasted just like white chocolate whipped cream. Nothing special, but not horrible either. It may have been better with fresh berries on top, but I couldn’t take the kids out to run to the store, so I just did with what I had.
From NewItalianRecipes.com, here is the recipe:
Mousse di Cioccolatto Bianco (White Chocolate Mousse)
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 2 T cold water
- 8 ounces good quality white chocolate you can usually find this in the baking section of your grocery. Or, even better, use a really great white chocolate such as Ghirardelli.
- 3 cups whipping cream
- 3 T sugar
- 2 t almond extract
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Preparation:
- Put gelatin powder and cold water in a small dish and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Melt chocolate and ½ cup of the whipping cream in the top of a double boiler, stirring all the time. Stir in the softened gelatin, mixing well, then transfer the mixture to a large bowl to cool until just warm, about 10 minutes. Don’t let it sit too long or the chocolate /gelatin mixture will become too firm.
- Chill a large bowl and a whisk or mixer beaters in the freezer for 30 minutes before you are going to whip the cream. Whip the remaining cream in the bowl with the whisk or electric mixer for 2 minutes. Gradually add the sugar and the almond extract, and continue beating until the beater leaves soft traces on the surface and the cream holds its shape when lifted with the beater, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir ¼ of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining cream, 1/3 at a time, being careful no to over blend. Spoon the mousse into individual dessert bowls and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. To serve, decorate each serving with a sprig of mint.
I hate to hear that you guys are all sick. That is no good. I hope that everyone gets back to better SOON!
I’m on decreased caffeine too and it is getting better. Some better anyway.
The mousse looks delicious! Pretty!
Caffeine is one thing I will never give up. Tried it once, for siz months. I was just out of sorts the whole time.
I like the idea of mousse in a bag!
Hang in there, I know it must be hell with everyone sick and no caffeine, but you can do it, just make some brownies, that should cure you all lol
After reading your blog, I had to have a Dove Milk Chocolate Almond ice cream bar. It was the closest thing I had in the house to a chocolate bag. You are right, they are so-o-o-o good.
Hi Kristen,
So sorry your kids are sick. Back when all three of my kids were little, the flu would run like wildfire through all three of them, leaving me feeling as though I’d been hit by a freight train.
If you’re trying to kick caffeine, good for you. After many years than I care to count, I finally kicked the habit for good. Now I have one cup of tea in the morning to get me started and that’s it!
Love the sound of your dessert!
Doesn’t that look refreshing…like little clouds of yumminess.
Chocolate heals everything… although my preference would have been dark, but whatever makes you happy!
The mousse looks so light and refreshing!
I hope the kids get better soon, Kristen!
having just been through something very similar with a foster dog, i feel your pain. my lifesaver has been baths with lots and lots of lavender. wishing now i had thought of chocolate mousse!
Awww am sorry to hear everyone’s sick – I hope ya’ll feel better soon!
I can’t do white chocolate – but your mousse looks so light and fluffy that I’d make an exception. =)
Noooooooo…Do you realize that restaurant is in WALKING DISTANCE of my apartment. Oh, now I know that I’m going to have to go. But, I’ll fight it! Anything chocolate and I’m weak in the knees.
I’m sorry that the kids haven’t gotten better. I hope that they’ll recover soon. 🙂
Google is a wonder thing! Try this:
http://www.kctv5.com/Global/story.asp?S=2924635
No doubt this is not a blog to read while on a diet…but it is pretty awesome…well done.
Looks delicious! I hope your kids feel better soon! I have been sick for more than a week and can understand how they are feeling. 🙁
Oh I hope you guys feel better soon. I hate this time of year. We spent the weekend sick here too. Yuck!
oh kids are just so fickle aren’t they? but what a wonderful treat!