method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) gas 4
2. Make the shortbread crust first. mix together the margarine, sugar and vanilla extract until pale and creamy,
3. In either a bowl or a food processor. sift together the flour, cocoa and salt onto a plate.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the margarine mixture and beat together until the dough forms into a ball.
5. Wrap the dough in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and chill for 30 minutes.
6. On a lightly oiled surface, roll out the dough to 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) thick and slide it on to a non-stick baking tray.
7. Bake it in the oven for 25 - 35 minutes, but do not let the crust blacken around the edges. (Alternatively, if you are making cookies, cut out 5 cm (2 inch) circles instead and transfer them to a non-stick baking tray, leaving plenty of room for them to spread. Bake the cookies for 20 - 25 minutes or until firm to touch. Cool on a wire rack.)
8. When the shortbread crust has cooled down, break it up into pieces and allow it to get cold.
9. Process the shortbread crust briefly in a food processor until it resembles breadcrumbs.
10. Quickly add the almonds, 2 tablespoons of caster (superfine) sugar and the melted margarine, and mix for a second or two.
11. Pack the shortbread mixture into the prepared dish, press down firmly and then place in the refrigerator to cool.
12. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a large bowl in the microwave until just soft and then stir until smooth.
13. Beat the egg yolks in a food processor with the caster (superfine) sugar until pale and smooth.
14. Pour in the hot coffee and process again. Pour in the melted gelatine and briefly process again.
15. Stir the coffee mixture into the bowl of chocolate until well blended.
16. Leave the mousse to cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
17. Put the egg whites in a large bowl, beat until stiff and fold into the mousse mixture using a metal spoon.
18. Pour the mousse over the biscuit base, level off and chill for about 3 hours or until set.
19. Decorate with coffee beans or Dairy free chocolate-coated coffee beans and dust with sifted cocoa powder.
serving amount
serves 6 - 8
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