Cigar Flavoured Chocolate Mousse

Method

1. Melt dark chocolate with fresh cream in a bowl on a double boiler.
2. Take rich cream and castor sugar in another bowl and whisk till well mixed.
3. Add this mixture to the chocolate mixture while it is still on the double boiler and mix well. Remove the bowl from the boiler.
4. Use cigar flavoured wood chips to create the smoke with the help of smoking gun, treat the chocolate-cream mixture with this smoke for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the smoking gun and mix the mixture till it is velvety and smooth. Keep the bowl in the refrigerator to chill.
6. To make almond nougat, roast the almonds in a non-stick pan till they are lightly browned and crisp.
7. Heat sugar in another non-stick pan till it caramelizes.
8. Place roasted almonds on the worktop in a circle, drizzle some caramel on them and let it set.
9. Make some design with the remaining caramel. Pop some amaranth seeds in a yet another non-stick pan and sprinkle it on the caramel design. Let the caramel set.
10. Put the mousse in a piping bag and pipe it into 4 serving glasses. Crush the caramelized almonds and sprinkle on top of the mousse. Garnish with the caramel design and serve immediately.

Additional Tips and Tricks