Good evening, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: November 29th, 2021. I would like to ask you a question. Did you know today is National Mouse Day. Have you ever had a Mousse? I am not sure if I have or not but if so it would be Chocolate because I don’t eat Fruit and neither does Charlie. While David would eat a Fruit Mousse more than a Chocolate one. What can I say the man has no, taste. It’s Chocolate hands down for the win.
Five things to know about Mousse:
- The word Mousse is French and translates as “froth” or “foam.”
2. Cold dessert Mousses are often poured into decorative glasses and garnished with Fruit, Sweet Sauces, or Whipped Cream.
3. Savory Mousses can be made from Fish, meat, or Foie Gras.
4. There are three key constituents to a Mousse: base, binder, and aerator.
5. Chocolate Mousse really came into the public eye in the U.S. in the 1930’s, about the time Chocolate Pudding mixes were introduced.
National Mousse Day is celebrated on November 30th every year. We can’t wait to whip up a Mousse for our loved ones. If you’re fond of decadent desserts, you should definitely get the most out of this Holiday. Did you know that the word ‘Mousse’ is derived from French? In Old French, it means ‘froth’ or ‘foam’. As the name suggests, this appetizer 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.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MOUSSE DAY
When someone says ‘Mousse’, don’t you often imagine it as a Chocolaty dessert? We know! 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, Liqueurs. They called this ‘crème en mousse,’ which means ‘cream in a foam’. Present-day recipes of Mousse has branched out from this tradition. If you are not a fan of Whipped Cream, you may consider replacing that with some viciously Whisked Egg Whites.
The most popular version of Mousse today, is the Chocolate Mousse, which wasn’t always popular. In fact, it 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 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 or Sweet recipes. From a Salmon Mousse as a starter to Raspberry Mousse or the classic Chocolate Mousse for dessert. There is practically no limit to the flavors a Mousse can embrace. Whereas a Mousse also works as a filling in Pastries or Parfaits. A savory Mousse goes well with Cheese and Fruit platters, turning them into appetizers.
In many restaurants Savory Mousses are prepared using Foie Gras, Shellfish, Avocado, Poultry, Vegetables, Cheese, and other ingredients. Mousse is commonly dished out as a light entrée or an appetizer, Mousses are often stabilized by adding Gelatin to the recipe.
NATIONAL MOUSSE DAY ACTIVITIES
- National Mousse Day is the perfect occasion to try your hands at baking, a Mousse recipe. Including Salted Caramel Mousse, or Blue Cheese Mousse.
- On a food Holiday, what could be a better way of celebrating than going out for dinner with your loved ones? We’d suggest you opt for a Mousse Parlor and try out Mousse dishes.
- On National Mousse Day, raise a toast to the creators of Mousse, for bringing this dessert into our lives. Create an Thank you, post on Social Media letting the world know of this Food Holiday.
5 FACTS ABOUT MOUSSE
- The invention of Electric Mixers led to the popularity of Mousse which is assumed that the first mixer with an electric motor was invented by Rufus Eastman in 1885.
- Fish Mousse, paired with Bread and Butter, used to be a much sought-after meal in America. Although, this dish has lost its popularity in recent times. Fish Mousse is still served as a party dip, by Mousse aficionados.
- Aventura Mall in Miami set a Guinness World Record for the largest Chocolate Mousse, by preparing a Mousse weighing about 496 pounds.
- Eggs and Cream when beaten to perfection form air bubbles that give Mousse its light and airy texture.
- Did you know Mousse can be frozen to make Ice Cream, or served hot.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL MOUSSE DAY
- Isn’t it wonderful to have a day designated to Mousse? You can’t deny that a scoop of Mousse has the power to brighten an otherwise mundane day.
- Whether you’re craving a dessert or savory appetizer, a Mousse can always bend itself to suit your taste buds.Mousse can make everyone happy.
- Mousse Day gives us the opportunity to invite our friends over for a bake-over and hang out with friends at our favorite dessert parlor.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
