Servings: 8
Ingredients:
8 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons bourbon
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
3 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
Garnish:
8 praline pieces
Instructions:
In a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate in 1/2 cup water, stirring until smooth, and stir in bourbon until combined well. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat.
In a large metal bowl with a hand held electric mixer beat eggs and granulated sugar until combined. Set bowl over a large saucepan of simmering water and beat mixture until light and thickened, about 6 minutes.
In a very small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over remaining 2 tablespoons water and let stand 1 minute to soften. Heat gelatin mixture over moderate heat, stirring, until gelatin is dissolved. Beat chocolate and gelatin mixtures into egg mixture and cool to room temperature.
In a bowl beat 1 1/2 cups cream until it just holds stiff peaks. Fold cream into chocolate mixture thoroughly and divide among eight 1 1/2-to 2-cup stemmed glasses. Freeze parfaits, covered with plastic wrap, until set, about 1 hour.
In a bowl beat remaining 2 cups cream until it holds soft peaks. Sift confectioners' sugar over cream and beat until cream just holds stiff peaks.
Transfer whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip and pipe onto parfaits. Garnish with praline pieces or other decoration of your choice. Freeze parfaits until solid, about 4 hours. Parfaits may be made 2 days ahead and frozen, covered.
Let parfaits stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
Makes 8 servings.
Source: Gourmet Magazine 1996
Date: October 5, 2003