Strawberry Mousse

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (for coulis)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coulis)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for coulis)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnishing)
• Additional fresh strawberries (for garnishing)
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it blooms.
2. In a blender, combine 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, stir the bloomed gelatin until it dissolves completely. Then, slowly mix it into the strawberry puree.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
5. Gently fold the strawberry puree mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
6. Spoon the mixture into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the hulled strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft. Blend until smooth and strain if desired.
8. Once the mousse is set, drizzle the strawberry coulis over the top and garnish with fresh mint leaves and strawberries.