National Mousse Day is celebrated on November 30th every year. I don’t know about you but I’ve never had a Mousse. Have you? If you have the means today take the opportunity to whip up Mousse for our near and dear ones. If you’re fond of decadent desserts, you should definitely get the most out of this National Mousse Day.
Did you know that the word ‘Mousse’ is derived from French? In Old French, Mousse means ‘froth’ or ‘foam’. As the name suggests, Mousse is made by beating Egg Whites and Cream until they turn light and fluffy like foam.
Although Mousse is more popularly served as a dessert, Mousse can also be prepared as a savory dish. Depending on the type of Mousse, its consistency can vary from thick and creamy to light and airy. Originally prepared in France, Mousse found its way into the United States only in the late 19th Century. Aren’t we all glad that Mousse did?
When someone says ‘Mousse’, don’t you often imagine this dish as a Chocolaty delight? We know almost always! Surprisingly, Mousse was first concocted as a savory dish in 18th Century France. It was only in the latter half of the 19th Century that Fruit Mousses became a thing.
The French would add Whipped Cream into Fruit, Coffee, or Liqueurs, or pour the Cream on top in the shape of a pyramid. They called this ‘Crème en Mousse,’ which means ‘Cream in a foam’. Present-day recipes of Mousse have branched out from this bygone tradition.
If you are not a fan of Whipped Cream, you may consider replacing Whipped Cream with some viciously whisked Egg Whites. I don’t know about you but I will take the Whipped Cream over Egg Whites anytime. How about you and why
The most popular version of Mousse today, is the Chocolate Mousse, which wasn’t always so popular. In fact, Chocolate Mousse really got into the public eye in the U.S. in the 1930s. This was the time when Chocolate Pudding was being introduced into American food culture. You could say that Chocolate Mousse drew its inspiration from Pudding.
Mousses are ideally served cold, while sweet Mousses are sometimes served frozen. The best thing about Mousse is that it conveniently lends itself to both savory and sweet recipes. From a thick Salmon Mousse as a starter to smooth Raspberry Mousse or the classic Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
There is practically no limit to the flavors that a Mousse can embrace. Whereas Mousse also works as a filling in Pastries and Parfaits, a savory Mousse goes well with Cheese and Fruit platters, turning them into good-looking appetizers.
In many restaurants today, savory Mousses are prepared using Foie Gras, Shellfish, Avocado, Poultry, Vegetables, Cheese, and other ingredients. Commonly dished out as a light entrée or an appetizer, Mousses are often stabilized by adding Gelatin to them.
National Mousse Day Activities
- National Mousse Day is the perfect occasion to try your hands at baking, and if you have the means and opportunity whip up a unique Mousse recipe. How about Salted Caramel Mousse, or a Pumpkin Mousse, I bet you David’s mom would enjoy. Or we could make a Blue Cheese Mousse. Which I will pass on. How about you? Go on, let your friends and family oooh with your baking skills!
- On National Mousse Day which is a food holiday, what could be a better way of celebrating National Mousse Day than going out for a sumptuous dinner with your loved ones? We’d suggest you opt for a Mousse Parlor if you can find one and try out Mousse dishes.
- On National Mousse Day, raise a toast to the makers of Mousse, for bringing this delicious treat into our lives. Create an appreciation post on Social Media to let the world know of this amazing food holiday.
Important Facts About Mousse
- The invention of electric mixers led to the widespread popularity of Mousse and the first mixer with an electric motor was invented by Rufus Eastman in 1885.
- Did you know there is a recipe or dish called Fish Mousse, that can be paired with Bread and Butter, and this dish used to be a much sought-after meal in America — although Fish Mousse has lost its popularity in recent times, Fish Mousse is still served as a party dip, by esteemed Mousse aficionados. I don’t know about you but I will pass on Fish Mousse.
- The Aventura Mall in Miami set a Guinness World Record for the largest Chocolate Mousse, by preparing a Mousse weighing about 496 pounds. Can you imagine that?
- Eggs and Cream when beaten to perfection form air bubbles that give Mousse its light and airy texture.
- Mousse can be frozen to make Ice Cream, but Mousses can also be served hot making it a versatile dish.
Why People Love National Mousse Day
National Mousse Day gives us the opportunity to invite our friends over for a bake-over. How about a sleepover and then you could hang out with them at your favorite dessert parlor? Wouldn’t that be oh so much fun? Would you like to join us?
You can’t deny that a scoop of creamy Mousse has the power to brighten an otherwise mundane day. People absolutely love that about Mousse which is why it’s wonderful to have a day designated to appreciate the beauty of the dessert Mousse?
Whether you’re craving a dessert or a savory appetizer, Mousse can always bend itself to suit your taste buds and Mousse can make everyone happy.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
