Caribbean Lime Mousse

Description
Like key lime pie in a glass, this delicious dessert is both easy and elegant.

Ingredients

 * 1 cup water
 * 2 tablespoons water
 * 1/2 cup flour
 * 1/2 cup cornstarch
 * 1 pinch salt
 * 2 cups granulated sugar
 * 6 eggs, separated
 * 2 large limes
 * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
 * 2 tablespoons butter
 * 5 tablespoons heavy cream
 * 1/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut
 * 4 lime slices
 * granulated sugar, as needed (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Using a microplane zester, remove zest from limes and set aside.
 * 2) Squeeze and strain juice from limes into a small bowl and set aside.
 * 3) Heat the water in a saucepan until steaming (do not boil).
 * 4) Whisk in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and 2 cups Sugar.
 * 5) Cook, stirring constantly, until lightly thickened.
 * 6) Separate egg white from egg yolks and set each aside.
 * 7) Whisk together the egg yolks with the lime zest and vanilla.
 * 8) Using a small ladle, add a small amount of heated mixture to egg yolks, stirring briskly to temper.
 * 9) Do this a couple more times, then gradually stir the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan, whisking briskly as you do so.
 * 10) Quickly stir in the lime juice, butter, and heavy cream.
 * 11) Cook, stirring, for 2-4 minutes or until thickened; remove from heat.
 * 12) In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites until very stiff.
 * 13) Fold beaten egg whites into lime mixture, stirring gently until blended.
 * 14) Spoon mousse into 4 large wine glasses or dessert dishes.
 * 15) Sprinkle each dessert with about 1 tbsp shredded coconut.
 * 16) Cut each lime slice almost in half, stopping cutting just at the edge of the peel on one side.
 * 17) Dip lime slices into granulated sugar, if desired, and shake off excess.
 * 18) Twist cut sides of lime into two opposite directions and lay on top of mousse.
 * 19) Chill for 2-3 hours or until firm and set, before serving.