Olive Oil Makes An Unexpectedly Delicious Topping For This Chocolate Dessert - Tasting Table

"A little high-quality olive oil can really help the cocoa notes in a chocolate mousse shine through due to the nature of the two ingredients. Olive oil contains polyphenols, which dry out saliva, while the fats in cocoa butter work in the opposite way and coat the mouth. When paired together, all of that can balance out, leaving the taste buds with room to enjoy the cocoa completely."

"Olive oil also creates more body in mousse, especially if paired with flaky sea salt, which tones down the bold flavors slightly and provides some crunch. All you need is a light drizzle, but it makes such a difference. You can also use olive oil in your chocolate mousse recipe directly to make it even more velvety. Incorporating it in this way will not only add a peppery bite but will also help create a smoother texture and a uniquely rich flavor."

"Again, go for the best olive oil brands you can find, whether you're using them for topping or in the recipe itself. Try to aim for a smooth one that still has a bit of bite, and avoid anything with a very earthy or grassy flavor. Something fruity but not overpowering works best, like an Arbequina extra virgin olive oil or a sweet oil from the Lake Garda region of Italy. It doesn't matter too much, though. In general, the notes of a more floral oil will accentuate the fruity flavor of the chocolate,"

High-quality olive oil enhances chocolate mousse by balancing cocoa's mouthfeel and adding body. Olive oil's polyphenols dry saliva while cocoa butter coats the mouth, producing a balanced, intensified cocoa taste. A light drizzle of olive oil with flaky sea salt adds crunch and moderates bold flavors. Substituting about ½ cup of olive oil for butter in mousse yields a velvety texture and a peppery bite. Choose smooth extra virgin oils with a touch of bite and avoid earthy or grassy oils. Fruity, not overpowering oils (e.g., Arbequina, Lake Garda sweet oils) complement chocolate; floral notes accentuate fruity chocolate flavors.

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