• In a small sauce pan add the granulated sugar and on low heat, allow the sugar to melt and caramelize to a medium amber color (make sure all sugar is dissolved)
• Once the sugar is at the desired caramel color, add in the butter and heavy cream and slowly whisk until fully combined and smooth (the caramel will get hard for a second and then will melt back down)
• Remove the caramel from the heat and add in the semi sweet chocolate chips; slowly whisked until fully combined and smooth
• In a small bowl, add the egg yolks
• Add a small amount of the warm chocolate caramel into the bowl with egg yolks and mix until combined, add the chocolate and egg mixture back into the remaining chocolate caramel and whisk until smooth
• Allow the chocolate caramel to cool completely
• Using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, whisk the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream to soft peaks
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate caramel mixture
• Scoop the chocolate caramel mousse into bowls or cups; refrigerate until ready to serve

Vanilla Whipped Cream Garnish

• Before serving the Chocolate Caramel Mousse, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste in an electric mixer until soft peaks form
• Scoop the Vanilla Whipped Cream onto the top of the mousse
• Garnish with chocolate shavings!