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Chocolate contains mood boosting chemicals that will get your engines going.

5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

1 cup heavy whipping cream

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon rum

Whip the heavy cream in a chilled medium mixing bowl and then refrigerate.

Place the chocolate in a small mixing bowl and set over a pot of boiling water. Heat for 1-2 minutes until the chocolate melts. Whisk thoroughly. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and rum, blending well.

Fold the chocolate mixture into the heavy whipping cream with the aid of a rubber spatula.

Pipe or spoon the mousse into ½ cup size or larger stemware or dishes. Top the mousse with a pinch of cocoa powder, if desired.

For 6 – 8 servings, double the recipe

Jacques Haeringer is the author of Two for Tonight: Pure Romance from L’Auberge Chez François, Bartleby Press