Mousse is an interesting word. It looks like “mouse,” a rodent, but is pronounced “moose,” like the largest member of the deer family. When I think of mousse, I think of a light, pudding-like dessert, especially if it’s chocolate. A mousse is a soft food made with air bubbles to give it a light, creamy texture. A mousse can be sweet (the way I like it) or savory. Mousse means “froth” in Old French, but also “scum!”
Mousse has few ingredients: a base, an aerator, the flavoring and an optional thickener.
Sweet mousses are usually made with whipped egg whites and/or creams and flavorings. These are typically chilled and served as dessert.
Savory mousses are made from meat, fish, shellfish, pate’, cheese or vegetables. Hot mousses can get their fluffy texture from the addition of beaten egg whites. I’ve never eaten a savory mousse but now I am intrigued. Here are some recipes if you’d like to celebrate.
There is one more kind of mousse that you might be familiar with, the foamy hair product called mousse. With so many types of mousse, it might be confusing. But one thing I do know: don’t use chocolate mousse on your hair!
Book Note: I think I once heard Curtis Curly-tail mention that though he does not appreciate fluffy mousses, he thought Tabby, the Five-Finger Fairy might. Next time I’m in The Bahamas, which I am greatly missing about this time, I will see if I can find Tabby and ask her. In the mean time, she is quite the ambassador for The Bahamas and for friendship, including cross-species friendships, which I am all for! Check out this heart-warming story of what friendship means and how we can make a difference in the lives of others.
