Chocolate cups with champagne foam

Chocolate Cups with Champagne Foam

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8 cups

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will guide you step by step in creating chocolate cups with champagne foam, an elegant and refined dessert, perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself on an ordinary day. This recipe is not only simple but also full of surprises, giving you the opportunity to experiment with various fillings. Let's get started!

The history of the chocolate cup is fascinating, with deep roots in European pastry traditions. This dessert not only looks spectacular but also adds a touch of sophistication to any table. When chocolate combines with a fine foam, the result is simply divine.

Ingredients

For the cups:
- 300g dark chocolate (choose a quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon oil (sunflower or coconut oil are excellent)

For the filling:
- 2 egg whites (make sure they are at room temperature for better whipping)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (fine sugar will dissolve more easily)
- 1 packet gelatin (about 10g)
- 300ml champagne (you can also use prosecco or sparkling wine)
- 200ml heavy cream (don’t forget to whip it until firm)

Necessary equipment:
- Silicone muffin molds (these are ideal for achieving perfect cups)
- A bowl for melting chocolate
- Whisk or mixer for whipping egg whites
- Spatula for mixing ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the chocolate cup
1. Start by melting the chocolate. Break the chocolate into smaller pieces and place it in a bowl over very low heat or in a microwave. Add the oil and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. It is important not to let the chocolate boil, as it can become grainy.
2. Once the chocolate is melted, use a brush to coat the inside of the silicone muffin molds. Make sure to apply an even layer so that you get a solid cup.
3. Place the molds on a rack and let them cool in the fridge for 5-10 minutes until the chocolate starts to harden.
4. After the chocolate has hardened, brush the inside of the molds again with chocolate. This will strengthen the structure of the cups, making them more resilient. Return to the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. In a small saucepan, combine the champagne and sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil!
2. In another bowl, hydrate the gelatin according to the package instructions (usually, it is added to cold water for a few minutes).
3. Once the sugar has dissolved in the champagne, add the hydrated gelatin and stir well until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue whipping until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.
5. Gently fold the cooled champagne mixture into the egg white meringue using a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture. Then, add the whipped cream, mixing carefully.

Step 3: Assembling the cup
1. Remove the molds from the fridge. Using a spatula, carefully remove the chocolate cups from the silicone molds, taking care not to break them.
2. Fill the cups with the champagne foam, leaving a small space at the top.
3. Top with a small fruit, frozen, candied, or fresh. Berries, raspberries, or blackberries are excellent choices that perfectly complement the chocolate and champagne foam.
4. Let the cups sit in the fridge for about 1 hour to allow the filling to set.

Serving suggestions
These chocolate cups with champagne foam can be served with a warm chocolate sauce or a handful of fresh fruits on a platter. You can also accompany them with a glass of champagne to enhance the tasting experience.

Useful tips
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla or coffee essence to the chocolate mixture.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate: white chocolate or milk chocolate can bring a different note to the dessert.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the champagne with grape juice or sparkling mineral water.

Nutritional information
This recipe for chocolate cups with champagne foam has about 250 calories per serving, considering the ingredients used. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants and can have health benefits, including improving mood and cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with white or milk chocolate, but the cooling time may vary.

2. How can I store the cups?
It is recommended to store the cups in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days, but it is best to consume them fresh.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can try fillings like cream cheese, chocolate mousse, or even a combination of Greek yogurt with honey and fruits.

These chocolate cups with champagne foam are not only a visual delight but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your senses. Feel free to adapt them to your preferences and make them part of your special moments in life! Cooking is an art, but also a joy, so enjoy every step of the process!