Sweet of the Week: Popcorn Mousse at Bar Takito

This may sound a bit taboo to say, but I'm not really a fan of popcorn. It's never something I order at the movies, and it's especially not something I snack on at home. It just doesn't do it for me, and I'd much rather eat just about anything else. But that's not to suggest I'm completely averse to absolutely everything and anything popcorn-related. In fact, one of the most memorable desserts I've had in recent memory is an homage to the classic snack. After a meal rich with pepita tortillas, beer cheese, and Carolina Gold rice at Bar Takito, the popcorn mousse is a welcoming finale in that it rounds things out on a buttery, caramel-y note that seamlessly combines sweetness with that infamous salty snack. 

 

One of the best things about this dessert is how light it is. This mousse makes all other mousses look like leaden frosting by comparison. Infused with popcorn and butterscotch, the whole thing tastes like a bundle of caramel corn whipped into a silky-smooth puree, with meringue-like lightness. A little bit goes a long way, as the daintiest dollop of mousse is utterly packed with flavor, brimming with just the right amount of popcorn goodness. The mousse is accented with a smattering of almond crumble, which lends a welcome crunch. There's also a drizzle of seasonal fruit, for an added dose of fructose and a bit of tartness. Altogether, it's a masterful and well balanced interpretation of an iconic flavor. And it's the only form of popcorn I actually crave.

- Matt Kirouac