3leavesof leaf gelatin1 tablespoon powdered gelatin can be substituted
1tablespoonchopped wild mint(Blefilia hirsuta)
2cupsheavy whipping creamchilled
1tiny pinch kosher salt
4tablespoonspowdered sugar
½cup sugar or ⅓ cup maple syrup
Instructions
Knotweed Puree
If possible, peel the knotweed stems for the best flavor.
Cut the shoots into 1 inch pieces, the combine with the sugar in a small saucepot and cook until wilted. Puree the mixture in a blender and reserve.
Mousse
Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer. Heat the knotweed puree on low heat in a pan until warmed through, but not boiling. Stir the chopped mint into the knotweed. Meanwhile, soak the gelatin in very cold water for 10 minutes, or until the gelatin is completely limp. Remove the gelatin from the water, then add to the warm knotweed puree and whisk until the gelatin is incorporated. Chill the pan in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the cream and powdered sugar in a chilled bowl. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Remove the pan with the knotweed from the fridge, then whisk to loosen the puree. If the puree doesn't seem to be setting, reheat the puree and add a little more gelatin, then repeat the process.
Fold ⅓ of the cream into the knotweed mixture, then gently, and thoroughly fold in the rest. Put the mousse in a container, pressing plastic down onto the surface of the mousse to prevent oxidization. Refrigerate the mousse until set, and slightly stiff, preferably overnight.
To serve the mousse, spoon it into a pastry bag and pipe it into whatever dish or vessel you like.
Notes
I made this with some wild peppermint, but warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg would be great in it's place during the winter. It's great served with toasted cake or biscotti too, pictured is toasted strips of wild rice flour pound cake.