Homemade chocolate mousse

Ingredients:

• 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
• 1 cup whipping cream (33%)
• 1/4 cup brewed espresso, chilled
• 3 tbsp. brandy or cognac
• 3 egg whites at room temperature
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• Chocolate shavings for decoration

Preparation:

1. In a metal bowl, melt the chocolate and butter over a double boiler, stirring gently. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool while you prepare the other mousse ingredients.
   
   Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold in the espresso and brandy. Refrigerate.
2. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with salt until foamy, then gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat. When you remove the beaters, they should hold soft peaks.
3. By this time, the chocolate should have cooled to room temperature. Quickly fold the whipped cream into the chocolate in two additions, then fold in the egg whites completely.
4. Fill glasses or bowls with the mousse and refrigerate for 3 hours. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings before serving.