if you're out of shape and you know it clap your hands

Clap, ow. I went to my first Pure Barre class tonight, and that class made me very aware of how out of shape I am. I got a 30-day unlimited package from PL for Valentine's Day. (I'm trying not to over think why my husband got me this gift) Long long ago I attended many a ballet class and loved it. Pure Barre struck my interest because, well, they have a ballet bar, and I've heard they provide quite a workout. About half way through the class I started thinking about paying PL so I wouldn't have to go back.  Then I snapped out of it and continued to concentrate on holding my shoulders back, tucking my butt, not letting my legs bow, and doing whatever muscle burning exercise was being demonstrated. One hour later and I am still alive. Tomorrow may be another story...

sunday night tradition

Every Sunday PL and I try to make a fun, well thought out dinner to enjoy. Sunday nights are our way to unwind before our typically chaotic weeks at work. Dinner during the week is less of a production and more of a struggle - what can we make that's quick and that we both feel like eating? The answer is usually "let's order take out". Sad story, but true. 

Back to Sunday, this tradition usually takes up the better part of our day, but is quality time spent together. PL is definitely the chef in this house and takes on the cooking. I on the other hand am a pro at drinking a glass of wine and watching him cook and then eating his food creations. Occasionally I will throw together a dessert. This past weekend I decided to lend a helping hand in the kitchen and made chocolate mousse. I love chocolate, hence my need to tone things up for the warmer weather mentioned previously. 

Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients you'll need:

8 ounces chocolate (I used 60% cacao)

3/4 stick butter

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon liquor (I used brandy)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/8 teaspoon salt

Warning: this requires lots o' bowls. Get 'em out of your cabinets and follow along..

Place a shallow pot of water on the stove and bring the water to a simmer. Place a large bowl over the pot and put the chocolate and butter (cut into pieces) into the bowl. Stir until smooth. Once smooth, remove the bowl from the heat.

Separate your three eggs into two bowls, one for yolks and one for whites.  Beat the egg yolks with a mixer until thick (approximately 3-4 minutes). 

  

Whisk the yolks into the melted chocolate mixture and add in your liquor of choice. Put that bowl aside.

Take out another bowl and use an electric mixer to beat the cream until stiff peaks form.

Mix the egg whites with salt until soft peaks form.

Fold the beaten egg whites and whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until well incorporated. 

Place your finished product into whatever type of serving dish you'd like (I used ramekins), cover and place in the refrigerator until ready for serving. What you end up with is a chocolately, smooth, decadent dessert that pairs very well with a glass of red wine.