New Years Eve is a fun night!  We usually go out for dinner and then head home for some wine, lots of junk food and a new dessert.  This year, there will be two new recipes: chocolate mousse and sweet potato pie!

 

There is a restaurant across from my old apartment that makes the most amazing chocolate mousse.  I think they add some alcohol for flavor.  Since then, I have been trying to make a chocolate mousse on my own.  The first one was a healthy recipe and a total disaster.  The second try tasted ok but the texture was way off.  This year, I found a new recipe in Rachael Ray Magazine that looks like it could be a success.

 

I melted down my chocolate and set it on ice.  Again, I needed to whip my egg whites.  I put the immersion blender back to work.  Luckily, I had some practice yesterday and knew what to look for.

 

 

I thought the mousse would be perfect in my cute ice cream bowls.  Into the fridge, but not before I stole a spoonful.  This is a tasty mousse with the right amount of chocolate and VERY fluffy!  Definitely a success!

 

 

Sweet potato pie is one of my favorite southern desserts from when I lived in Tennessee. I have never tried to make it before, so I headed to the Food Network for a recipe to try.  If I conquer this, maybe then I can try some of my other southern favorites like fried pickles.

 

Yesterday, I roasted the sweet potatoes and instead of pushing them through the sieve (which sounded like it would be way too much work), I put my trusty immersion blender back to work to make my puree.

 

T minus 3 hours before our dinner reservations and I am set to begin my pie.  For my first ever pie, I used a store bought frozen crust.  Per the directions, I baked it and brushed it with egg whites.  I felt very professional using my brush until I almost took off half the edging on the crust.

 

 

I combined my sweet potatoes with all the spices and sugar.  Then whisked the egg whites and cream.  I combined everything and poured it into my crust.  The pie goes into the oven on a baking sheet.

 

While the pie bakes, I can hop in the shower with more than enough time to pick out an outfit for tonight.

 

I can’t wait to try the pie and I am hoping it turns out, but if not, there is always chocolate mousse!

 

 

Tomorrow’s agenda: the day off to play and shop in downtown Chicago!