Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Gingerbread Base: Crush the gingerbread cookies in a food processor until finely ground. Combine the crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the silicone dome molds to create a compact base.
- Chill the Base: Place the dome molds in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the base to firm up.
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it stand for 5-10 minutes to soften.
- Heat the Cream and Sugar: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, sugar, and espresso powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just simmering. Do not boil!
- Temper the Egg Yolks: Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Do not overcook.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it is completely dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and gingerbread spice mix. Stir to combine.
- Cool the Custard: Pour the custard into a clean bowl and let it cool slightly, stirring occasionally, until it is lukewarm.
- Whip the Remaining Cream: In a large bowl, whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard in two additions. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Fill the Dome Molds: Spoon or pipe the latte mousse into the silicone dome molds, filling them completely.
- Smooth the Tops: Use a spatula or knife to smooth the tops of the mousse domes.
- Freeze: Place the dome molds in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the mousse to set completely.
- Unmold the Domes: Once the mousse domes are frozen solid, gently unmold them by pressing on the bottom of the silicone molds.
- Garnish: Place the unmolded mousse domes on a serving platter. Garnish with whipped cream, gingerbread cookie crumbs, cinnamon sticks, and chocolate shavings, as desired.
- Serve: Serve the Gingerbread Latte Mousse Domes immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Do not overcook the custard or overwhip the cream. Freeze the domes completely to make them easier to unmold. You can add cocoa powder to the gingerbread base for a chocolatey twist. For a peppermint mocha flavor, use peppermint extract instead of vanilla and add chocolate shavings to the mousse. Add a tablespoon of spiced rum for an adult-friendly version. To store, keep leftover domes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
