Strawberry-Chocolate Mousse Parfait

Chocolate and strawberries are a heavenly combination!!

• Ready In: 4 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  pint  basket ripe strawberry, washed, stemmed and halved
• 3  tablespoons  orange-flavored liqueur or 3  tablespoons  frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 3  tablespoons water
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1  cup  semisweet chocolate piece
• 1 1⁄2 cups  whipping cream, divided
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
•  mint sprig, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss strawberries and liqueur; cover and refrigerate.
2. To make chocolate mousse: In a small saucepan, mix water with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 1 minute.
3. Place chocolate pieces in container of electric blender.
4. Immediately add hot sugar mixture.
5. Blend until chocolate is melted and smooth.
6. In medium bowl, whip 3/4 cup of the cream to form stiff peaks. With rubber spatula, fold chocolate into cream to blend thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
7. Just before serving, whip the remaining 3/4 cup cream to form soft peaks.
8. Beat in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar and the vanilla.
9. In four 10 to 12 ounce stemmed wine glasses or in dessert bowls, layer mousse, whipped cream and strawberries, dividing equally.
10. Garnish with mint sprigs.
11. (Chilling time is included in the cooking time.).