An enchanting platter featuring star-shaped lemon shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate truffles.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lemon Star Shortbread
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - Zest of 1 lemon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Galaxy Mousse Cups
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - Blue and purple food coloring
11 - Edible gold stars (optional)
→ Chocolate Comet Truffles
12 - 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
13 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
15 - 1/4 cup cocoa powder
16 - Edible shimmer dust (optional)
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in lemon zest and salt. Gradually add flour until soft dough forms. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut star shapes with cookie cutter. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
02 - Melt chocolate over simmering water and let cool slightly. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold melted chocolate into whipped cream. Divide mousse into two bowls; tint one with blue and the other with purple food coloring. Layer colored mousse in mini dessert cups, swirling gently for galaxy effect. Chill at least 1 hour. Garnish with edible gold stars if desired.
03 - Heat cream and butter until simmering; pour over chopped chocolate and let stand 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and chill for 1 hour until firm. Scoop mixture into small balls and roll in cocoa powder and shimmer dust.
04 - Arrange lemon star shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate comet truffles on a serving platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
