Mango mousse is already light and creamy, and sheer perfection as is, but adding an extra element to it, like toasted almonds (chef’s kiss) adds more to it rather than take away from it. You can also do with the untoasted ones, but there is something amazing about the toasted version that trumps the bland ones any day. Just a few flakes of these on your regular, dreamy mousse and you have the perfect mango mousse with almond flakes. You can add it anywhere whether you're garnishing the top, creating layers, or building a crust. Here's everything you need to know to do it right.
Why Toast Almond Flakes?
Toasting almond flakes releases their natural oils, deepens their flavor, and gives them that beautiful golden color. Raw almond flakes are delicate and slightly sweet – but when toasted, they take on a rich, warm, almost butter-like quality. They also become more aromatic, with a toasted nutty scent that complements the mango’s aroma beautifully.
Foolproof Ways to Toast Almond Flakes
You can go about anyway really when it comes to toasting almond flakes, but most important of all, you need to keep in mind the heat factor and the delicacy of the almond flakes that are quite easy to burn.
- Stovetop Method: This one is the quickest and quite hands-on and best suited for small batches and having more control over the almond flakes. To make them on stovetop, add the almond flakes to a dry, non-stick skillet over medium heat and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove immediately from the pan to a cool plate otherwise the almonds can burn quickly.
- Oven Method: This is best for even toasting the almond flakes for larger batches, when you need more than a handful. To make this, preheat oven to 180°C, then spread almond flakes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring or shaking the tray halfway through. Tip: Keep your eyes (and nose!) on them. They go from perfect to burned in seconds.
- Microwave Method: This is the quickest one when you need the almond flakes ASAP. To try this method, spread the almond flakes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Then microwave on high in 30-second, stirring each time, for up to 3-5 minutes until toasted. This method won’t get them as evenly toasted as the oven, but it works like a charm in a pinch.
Pairing Toasted Almond Flakes with Mango Mousse
Toasted almonds and mango mousse are a dream team and they complement each other like earth and water. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your mango mousse:
- Topping or Garnish: Sprinkle a spoonful of the freshly toasted but cooled, warm is also okay, almond flakes over your finished mousse just before serving. It adds a nice visual feel to the mousse and also boosts the flavour of the silky mousse.
- Mixed In: Fold in a small handful of cooled toasted almond flakes into the mousse concoction before chilling, this adds a nice flavour bits throughout the creamy mango mousse and enhances its richness.
- Crunchy Base or Crumble: Create a base layer, kind of like for a parfait, using crushed biscuits, butter, and crushed toasted almonds. Press into jars or ramekins before layering mousse on top. Or, scatter a quick almond crumble on top: mix toasted flakes with brown sugar and a tiny touch of sea salt for a salty-sweet bomb.
How to Store Toasted Almond Flakes
It’s likely you will batch make almond flakes and you’ll have a lot of it left over, so here’s how to store them for future use. To keep your toasted almond flakes fresh and crisp, store them in an airtight container, at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you've made a larger batch or want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure they're completely cooled before sealing them up, and always let frozen almonds return to room temperature before using – this helps preserve their crunch and flavor without the risk of any condensation.