Mousse

Mousse is a culinary term that refers to a prepared food that incorporates air bubbles to give it a light and airy texture. It can range from light and fluffy to creamy and thick, depending on the ingredients and the preparation method. The term mousse is derived from the French word for "foam" or "froth".

History

The concept of mousse originated in France during the 18th century and was used to describe a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. The first written record of mousse in a culinary context dates back to 1755.

Preparation

A mousse can be sweet or savory. Sweet mousses are typically made with whipped egg whites, whipped cream, or both, and flavored with chocolate, coffee, caramel, puréed fruits or various herbs and spices. Savory mousses can be made from meat, fish, poultry, cheese, or vegetables. Gelatin is often used to stabilize the mousse.

Types of Mousse

There are many types of mousse, but some of the most popular include:

• Chocolate mousse: A dessert mousse made with chocolate and cream. It is often stabilized with egg whites or gelatin.
• Fruit mousse: A dessert mousse made with puréed fruit, sugar, and whipped cream or egg whites.
• Savory mousse: A type of mousse that is typically served as an appetizer or side dish. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, seafood, poultry, or cheese.

Serving

Mousse is typically served chilled and can be used as a filling for cakes or pastries, or served on its own as a dessert. Savory mousses are often served with crackers or toast points.

See Also

• Culinary arts
• French cuisine
• Dessert