Caribbean Lime Mousse

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



Ingredients
granulated sugar, as needed (optional)
 * 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

Directions

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