"November always seemed to me the Norway of the year."
~ Emily Dickinson
CHRYSANTHEMUM(November Flower of the Month)
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APRICOT MOUSSE
~ Sweet Decadence from an old Southern Living, perfect for the holidays
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20 ladyfingers
3 (16-oz.) cans undrained apricot halves
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
5 organic egg yolks
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp. apricot brandy (or light rum)
1 (2-oz.) package slivered almonds
1 1/2 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup whipping cream
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1/8 tsp. almond extract
Garnishes:
apricots
sliced toasted almonds
fresh mint sprigs
- Cut a 30 x 3-in. strip of wax paper; line sides of a 9-inch springform pan with strip. Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise; line sides and bottom of pan with ladyfingers.
- Drain apricots, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Set aside 4 apricots for garnish.
- Add remaining apricots to food processor and process 1 minutes. Set aside. Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup juice and set aside.
- Combine egg yolks, 3/4 cup sugar, and salt in heavy saucepan. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 4 minutes, or until mixture thickens and food thermometer reaches 160 degrees. Add softened gelatin mixture, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Stir in pureed apricots, brandy, and slivered almonds. Chill mixture until consistency of unbeaten egg whites (about 30 minutes).
- Beat 1 1/2 cups whipping cream until foamy; gradually add remaining 1/2 sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Fold whipping cream into apricot mixture; spoon into springform pan. Chill 8 hours.
- Remove ring from springform pan; remove wax paper. Beat 3/4 cup whipping cream until foamy; gradually add powdered sugar and almond extract, beating until soft peak form. Pipe or dollop on top of mousse. Slice reserved apricots; arrange on whipped cream. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh mint springs.
Comments
The apricot mousse sounds wonderful.
Marnie
Did you know I was a ballerina once? Yes, I still remember that day...
P.S. Do you know how to look up people's birthdays on Blotanical?
Rosey
The mousse sounds wonderful. Have a great November!
xoxo Tyra
Very clever, Monica :) Actually, I'm not a big fan of most mums (hate the smell) but some are lovelier than others and photograph beautifully. I never plant them in the garden (shame on me ... I buy, enjoy, and pitch ...) And I'm with you regarding topaz as our birthstone. In Blotanical, you can find birthdays by visitng gardener's 'Plots'.
Great idea, Rosey :) Mum petals, though edible, are not my favorite so I never have to worry about eating too many :)
Thank you, dear Marysol, and no I did not know that you were once a ballerina but considering your many talents, I am not surprised! Please tell me more ...
I agree, November is very conducive for baking, Tyra. Since I have not finished putting my gardens to bed, I feel guilty in the kitchen unless it's after dark (which at 6 is too early these days). Your house must smell divine! Though it's been years since I've baked a good loaf of bread, I use to bake all my own when the children were small, sourdough a favorite (got my starter in San Francisco, many, many, years ago during the hippie era) xxoo ;)
Hi, dear Anna! Actually, their throats have golden tones and might work. Since I love southern gardens, trying to incorporate as many zone friendly plants as possible in my own, I have collected years of old Southern Living magazines (Southern Accents, Veranda) and many of their cookbooks. Though often tweaked as most recipes in my kitchen (except for baking), their recipes are wonderful. Off for a busy few days at lake this afternoon ... hope your weekend is wonderful :)
Their colour is everywhere with All souls day.
Frances
Thanks Rob ~ I love November and though not a huge lover of mums, when color wanes, appreciate their vibrant gift!
Glad you are enjoying November, Gail, one of my favorite months. Young Son, a blessed autumn gift to 10/11 yr older sister/brother, was born on Nov 1st (my birthday follows later in the month). November to me a 'golden' month where gardeners tuck not only gardens but memories to bed :)
I am still chuckling at the quote by Emily--that has to be the funniest thing she ever wrote:) And apricot mousse...I love apricots, and this sounds like heaven!
That dessert recipe looks pretty irresistible too! :))
I never hear anyone say Chrysanthemum anymore. It's always just Mum.
Joey, you sure know how to give us a pretty post.
How sweet, Donna, thank you! I think perhaps mum is not only easier to say but sounds more garden friendly (wish the smell was more nose friendly :)
Hope you are enjoying a beautiful weekend!!
Hugs
Cat