4. Coffee Mousse Cups

Ingredients (4–6 servings):
2 tsp instant coffee (or 1 shot espresso)
2 tbsp hot water
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar
1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
8 oz mascarpone or cream cheese (softened, optional for extra richness)
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions:
Dissolve coffee: Mix instant coffee (or espresso) with hot water until smooth. Let it cool.
Whip cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Add coffee flavor: If using mascarpone: beat it until smooth, then blend in cooled coffee mixture. Gently fold this into whipped cream.
If not using mascarpone: just fold coffee directly into whipped cream.
Assemble cups: Spoon or pipe mousse into dessert cups.
Chill: Refrigerate at least 2 hours to set.
Serve: Dust with cocoa powder or top with