Small glass cups of raspberry mousse garnished with white chocolate and raspberries.

Raspberry Mousse

For this easy raspberry dessert, fresh raspberries are pureed and then whipped into a Raspberry Mousse, creamy and lovely.

Small glass cups of raspberry mousse garnished with white chocolate and raspberries.
Raspberry Mousse

For this easy raspberry dessert, fresh raspberries are pureed and then whipped into a Raspberry Mousse, creamy and lovely.

Small glass cups of raspberry mousse garnished with white chocolate and raspberries.

This post first appeared on February 20, 2014 and on Wayfair.com. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen!

Is it possible to be too nice? I should never complain, especially in an age where manners are a rarity, perhaps even refreshing (believe me, all it takes is a visit to my children’s elementary school or a listen to how people order from a menu, and I am appalled at how etiquette seems in rare supply). If you think it just may be my New Yorker roots surfacing, I assure you it’s not. Besides, I firmly stand by my belief that most New Yorkers are really and truly very nice people, despite the caricatures that are drawn or assumed — if anything I have always argued that they are very real: what you see is what you get, and there is never a question of fake niceness.

Which brings me back to my question. Too nice, is there such a thing? Is it sincere? Is it real?

Every once in a while, I step into the local branch of my bank, and over the last year, I have grown to dread each visit. Why? Because they’re too damn nice. To the point where the syrup is dripping off my shoulders and I am cringing because I just don’t want to play along with the sweet melodic I-used-to-be-a-Disney-princess-in-my-previous-life voice questioning, “Is there anything else I can do for you? Have we served you to your satisfaction? We want to assure that meet all your expectations. Have we met all your needs? Would you like a glass of water? Can I offer you some coffee while you wait?” I’m just depositing a check, I don’t have the time or intention to stay and wait for coffee. That’s what the Starbuck’s line is for. “Thank you for your patience,” they rush over to apologize when I’ve stood in line one second over a minute.

It’s. Over. The. Top.

And it feels incredibly insincere.

A bowl of fresh raspberries and sugar surrounded by measuring spoons and lemons.

So I’m ranting about my local bank. But I’m sure we’ve all encountered those moments of fakery, where you were so uncomfortable because you really knew they didn’t give a shizzle, but were delivering the lines because they were trained to, with a plastic smile that makes you squirm. And reminds you of Barbie.

Professional. Sincere. Intentional. There’s a difference in delivering good service.

Anyway. I do believe there is such a thing as ‘too nice’ now. Let’s leave the too sweet problem for things like dessert, shall we?

I’m sharing something nice and sweet on Wayfair today. With this Raspberry Mousse, we don’t have to worry. It’s sweet, but not too sweet. The sweetness is checked by the zing of real raspberries, and as you dig in with each spoonful, it never gets old.

Sometimes food is just easier than people.

A bowl of fresh raspberries.

Raspberry Mousse Recipe

For this easy raspberry dessert, fresh raspberries are pureed, strained and combined with gelatin before chilling. The raspberry gelatin is then whipped with heavy cream into Raspberry Mousse, creamy and lovely. Pour into serving glasses and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. A quick garnish of white chocolate and raspberries and the mousse is complete.

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Raspberry Mousse

For this easy raspberry dessert, fresh raspberries are pureed and then whipped into a Raspberry Mousse, creamy and lovely.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Servings 8 small servings
Calories 216kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pints fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • juice of half a lemon
  • 2 teaspoons gelatin
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • shaved white chocolate for garnish
  • additional raspberries for garnish

Instructions

  • Place the raspberries, sugar and lemon juice in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Strain the raspberry purée into a bowl, and discard the seeds. Set aside.
  • Sprinkle the gelatin over water in a small saucepan. Heat the water over low heat, gently stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely, about 1-2 minutes. Stir the gelatin into the raspberry purée, then place in the refrigerator to cool completely and thicken. This will take between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Place the raspberry gelatin mixture in the bowl of an electric mixer with the whip attachment. Whip the gelatin for about 2 minutes on high speed, until fluffy. While continuing to whip, slowly drizzle the heavy cream into the mixing bowl, then whip for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is combined and thick. Pour into serving glasses and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. If making in advance, cover with plastic wrap before chilling.
  • Garnish with white chocolate and raspberries before serving.

Notes

Recipe lightly adapted from Raspberry Mousse, Taste of Home.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 476IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see! Tag @kitchconfidante on Instagram and hashtag it #kitchenconfidante

Comments

Recipe Rating




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  1. Toni | Boulder Locavore

    So no, it is not possible to be too nice but YES it is possible to be too much of the wrong kind of nice. It’s really gratuitous pandering that they do at your bank. A bit like the cartoons where the bunny hops into the glen and the coyote instead sees a steak. It’s like that. You walk into the bank through their cartoon eyes you look like a big dollar bill! And one who makes delicious food. I love this recipe.

    Reply
  2. Rebecca {foodie with family}

    I think food is almost always easier than people. That being said, I don’t know if I’d rather deal with someone who was just plain cranky vs. fake nice. I think I’d probably rather stay home and eat a whole batch of this raspberry mousse by myself.

    Reply
  3. Danae @ reciperunner

    Ugh I can’t stand people who are so fakely “nice”, it’s almost gagging and I just want to get away. However I don’t want to get away from this amazing looking raspberry mousse! I think I could put up with too much “niceness” if I was eating a bowl of this mousse!

    Reply
  4. Maria | Pink Patisserie

    Completely agree. Or when sales people just won’t leave me alone. Following me around the store asking every five minutes if I need help finding something, have I seen this beautiful piece, I love your shoes, etc. etc. Then they ask if I want to sign up for their credit card.. I won’t go to certain stores anymore because of their sales tactics.. Beautiful mousse! I will head over to check it out!

    Reply
  5. Katie

    These look decadent! Living in Orlando I know all about “too nice” I think there comes a place and a time. lol.

    Reply
  6. Monet

    Haha. I totally relate. I have one friend who is always SO SO SO nice. It honestly stresses me out! I think we all appreciate a little balance. This mousse however, looks LOVELY, and I’m not just being “nice” about it…truly, it looks like a small glass of heaven!

    Reply
  7. Leslie

    I like people being nice at work or at a business establishment. What I don’t enjoy are people who are nice to avoid an “issue” and use it as a way to dance around a problem instead of taking it head on. Niceness can be refreshing, but it can also be enabling on a personal level

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Yes, I agree! Niceness is always welcome, actually, I simply expect it. I hopefully am raising my children to become nice people. It is when the niceness is hollow and scripted that makes me sad! I would much rather a natural interaction at that point. And I do know what you mean about being nice as a form of avoidance. That is unbearable, as well.

      Reply
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