Chocolate Paradis With Almond Praline

Name: Chocolate Paradis With Almond Praline
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: Vegetable oil (for pan); ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ¼ tsp. kosher salt; ⅓ cup (56 g) raw almonds; 1½ cups chilled heavy cream, divided; 5 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; 2 Tbsp. dark rum or Grand Marnier; 1 tsp. powdered sugar; ¼ tsp. kosher salt; Fresh raspberries (for serving; optional)

By Jacques Pépin

November 22, 2022

Two glass dessert cups filled with Chocolate Paradis With Almond Praline and raspberries

Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Spencer Richards, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua

At first glance this might look like too little dessert, but it’s rich, deeply satisfying, and more than enough. The almond praline pulls double duty: Mixed into the chocolate mousse, it melts slowly, creating tiny pools of caramel throughout; scattered on top, it provides bold, contrasting crunch. The praline is designed to work with whole almonds (with or without the skin) rather than sliced or slivered. For the best texture, scope out a chocolate with about 65% cacao.