A celestial assortment of lemon shortbread, mousse cups, and chocolate truffles in themed shapes and colors.
# 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)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Incorporate lemon zest and salt, then gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing to form a soft dough. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut star shapes using a cookie cutter. Place shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, then cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream carefully. Divide the mousse into two bowls; tint one with blue food coloring and the other with purple. Layer spoonfuls of each color alternately into mini dessert cups, swirling gently to create a galaxy pattern. Refrigerate for at least one hour and top with edible gold stars if desired.
03 - Heat heavy cream and unsalted butter in a saucepan until simmering, then pour over chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let stand for two minutes, then stir until smooth. Chill the mixture for one hour until firm. Scoop and roll into small balls, then dust with cocoa powder and edible shimmer dust for a sparkling finish.
04 - Arrange the cooled lemon star shortbreads, chilled galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate comet truffles artfully on a large serving platter. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
