Nosh: Hay Hay! A Ginger-Lovers Mousse

Hay Hay! A Ginger-Lovers Mousse

During my recent trip to Thailand, a love for ginger was awakened in me. Much like the way I felt the first time I pulled carrots from a field in Germany, was the awe of holding a freshly unearthed galangal root, dusty and pungent. The instructor brushed away clumps of dirt, sliced into it, and handed pieces around to us. "Taste a little bit in your mouth if you want," he said, and watched, bemused, the faces of those who did. "Strong," he said, nodding, "spicy," and smiled.

That's what I wanted for this simple mousse. (Oh how many times have I typed mouse!) Ginger zing in a soothing blanket. The sweet and bitter grapefruit was an "a-ha!" moment, with the mint following closely behind. I think citrus and ginger are flavors that embrace spring. They're bright, lively, and sunny. Just what I'm in the mood for to shake off winter.

This is definitely a ginger-lovers dessert. The ginger is prominent, giving you a tingly sensation on your tongue. Ginger is spicy, not like chillis but in its own gingery way ... so if you like ginger but don't love it, use less ginger and more grapefruit, including some pulp.

The recipe is quick; the only time-consuming part is grating the ginger (good for the arms). A cute presentation (and I know you people, you have a stash of the cutest serving things I've ever seen) and a quick garnish is all this fragrant dessert needs to fulfill the wow factor.

Ginger and Grapefruit Mousse with Mint
Serves 4

Juice from a sweet grapefruit (about 6-8 Tbsp)
2 oz (56 g) very very very finely grated fresh ginger
7 oz (200 g) whipping cream
fresh mint, chopped (to taste)
about 4 Tbsp powdered sugar (also to taste)

Optional garnishes: grapefruit pulp, sprig of mint, bright flowers

Using a handmixer, whip the cream. Fold the ginger, along with the mint, into the whipped cream.

In a separate bowl, sift the powdered sugar into the grapefruit juice, whisking to combine. Add it to the bowl with the whipped cream. If your cream has lost some of its volume, whip it again with the handmixer for a few seconds. Taste it and adjust. You might like more grapefruit or more mint. Spoon into cups, bowls, or other cute things and refrigerate for an hour or more. Garnish at will.

Be sure to check out all the other entries for this "Hay! Hay! Today's the day for mousse!" over at the delightful Tartelette.