Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: November 1st, 2022. I would like to ask you to check out the holidays being celebrated today and let me know which holiday you most want to celebrate and why you choose that holiday by leaving me a comment below.
National Mousse Day is celebrated on November 30 every year. We can’t wait 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 National Mousse Day. 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 it 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 it did?
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MOUSSE DAY
When someone says ‘Mousse’, don’t you often imagine a Chocolate dessert? 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 it with whisked Egg Whites.
The most popular version of Mousse today, the Chocolate Mousse, 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 it 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. Whip up a Mousse recipe. Like Salted Caramel Mousse, or Pumpkin Mousse. Then let your friends try your creation and let your friends gush over your creation.
- 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 restaurant serving Mousse for you to try out.
- National Mousse Day, raise a toast to the makers of Mousse, for bringing this delicious dessert into our lives. Create a post on Social Media to let the world know about National Mousse Day.
5 FACTS ABOUT MOUSSE
- The invention of electric mixers led to the widespread popularity of Mousse. It 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 it has lost its popularity in recent times, Fish Mousse is still served as a party dip, by esteemed 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, as well as served hot?
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL MOUSSE DAY
- Isn’t it wonderful to have a day designated to appreciate the beauty of Mousse? You can’t deny that a scoop of creamy Mousse has the power to brighten an otherwise mundane day. We absolutely love that about Mousse!
- Whether you’re craving a dessert or a savory appetizer, 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 them at there favorite dessert parlor.
Five facts about Mousse:
The word Mousse is French and translates as “froth” or “foam.”
Cold dessert Mousses are often poured into decorative glasses and garnished with Fruit, sweet sauces, or Whipped Cream.
Savory Mousses can be made from Fish, Shellfish, Meat, Foie Gras, etc.
There are three key constituents to a Mousse: base, binder, and aerator.
Chocolate Mousse really came into the public eye in the U.S. in the 1930’s, about the time Chocolate Pudding mixes were introduced.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
