One of the benefits to knowing a pastry chef is that you get fun things to eat for your birthday party. One of the benefits to being a pastry chef is that you always have a gift for someone's party. My best friend loves chocolate mousse like no other thing in the world, so I made him these.

I made the bowls by dipping balloons in tempered dark chocolate, filled them once they were set, and added a little dollop of chantilly cream with chocolate squigglies for decoration. They were a huge hit, but next time I'll make the portions a little smaller - the mousse is so rich, it was hard to finish one. He managed, though.