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Epicurious
Gourmet

Ham Mousse with Hollandaise

1.9

(4)

Despite what you may think from looking at the ingredient list, this mousse is not overly rich—the consistency is actually quite delicate. Pair the mousse with a green salad, and you've got a terrific brunch or light supper.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Cooks' note:

Mousse can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered loosely with plastic wrap.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 (first course) servings

Ingredients

2 large eggs, separated
9 ounces cooked ham, trimmed and finely ground in a food processor (2 cups)
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of white pepper
Pinch of cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chilled heavy cream
2 tablespoons medium-dry Sherry
Garnish: watercress sprigs
Accompaniment: Hollandaise

Special Equipment

an 8- by 4- by 2 1/2-inch (1-quart) metal loaf pan

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 300°F.

    Step 2

    Whisk yolks in a bowl, then whisk in ham, nutmeg, white pepper, cayenne, and salt.

    Step 3

    Beat together cream and Sherry in another bowl with an electric mixer until cream holds soft peaks, then fold into ham gently but thoroughly.

    Step 4

    Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt in another bowl with cleaned beaters until frothy, then fold into ham gently but thoroughly.

    Step 5

    Spread mousse in well-buttered loaf pan and bake, uncovered, in a hot water bath in middle of oven until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and mousse is firm to the touch, about 1 1/2 hours.

    Step 6

    Transfer loaf pan to a rack and cool mousse 40 minutes. Run dull side of a thin knife or a small spatula around edges and invert mousse onto a plate.

TagsMousseDessertSherryAlcoholBeveragesAmericanHamMeatStarterBrunchDinnerNut FreeMake AheadOven BakeJuneteenthGourmet
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