Mandarin mousse and dastardly diets

I created this dessert as part of a Mexican feast that I served a gaggle of friends. It’s a luscious mix of fresh mandarin cream and Grand Marnier, with a zingy sprinkle of chilli chocolate on top.

Recipe: Mandarin Mousse

• 10 mandarins, outer and inner skin and seeds removed, flesh chopped
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 12 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 packets of gelatine
• 2 cups of whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons of Grand Marnier
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped orange zest
• 1/2 block of Lindt chilli chocolate, grated

METHOD: Stir egg whites and 8 tablespoons of sugar together in a heatproof bowl. Place over simmering water (not touching) until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Rinse beaters. Stir the egg yolks in a heat-proof bowl with a fork until blended. In a small saucepan over a low heat, stir together 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in gelatine. Whisk until dissolved. Pour gelatine mixture over egg yolks and beat with an electric mixer until mixture is cool. Rinse beaters. In a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add the orange juice and Grand Marnier and beat until just combined. Fold in the egg-white mixture and then the egg-yolk mixture. Add the mandarin pieces and the zest and fold gently. Divide the mixture among 12 individual glasses (I used plastic wine goblets) or serve in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the chilli chocolate just before serving.

Note: If serving to kids as well as grown-ups, divide the mixture in half before adding the Grand Marnier. Replace the Grand Marnier with extra orange juice in the kids’ mousse. Sprinkle with milk chocolate shavings rather than chilli chocolate.

AS FOR THE “DASTARDLY DIETS” BIT OF THE BLOG HEADING …

Anne Hathaway has told the latest US Vogue that dropped 25 pounds to play TB-afflicted prostitute Fantine in Les Miserables by eating just two thin squares of dried oatmeal paste per day.

(Which makes me think Matthew McConaughey must be eating NOTHING to look like he does in these pics.)

Read more juicy gossip by clicking through to …

HOUSEGOESHOLLYWOOD

(Thought I should post an evil dessert in its honour.)