Chocolate mousse by Delia

Here's my recipe for chocolate mousse & it's not only delicious but Easy, Peasy. Who has time to make complicated desserts anymore?

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (the really good kind like Belgian or swiss chocolate--do not use chocolate chips!!)
4 eggs, separated
2 tbsp. sugar (optional)
1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp. vanilla
brandy and/or fresh squeezed oranges & chopped zest for flavor

melt chocolate in microwave until soft. when chocolate is a little cooled add egg yolks (not whites) stirring constantly.
add sugar to taste (optional--I don't add any).
you can also add the liquor and/or orange juice but be sure not to make mixture too watery.
I like to add as well the zest of one or two oranges (chopped very finely) to really bring out the orange flavour.
In a separate bowl beat the room temperature egg whites to a stiff peak (I use 4 extra large eggs, or 5 large eggs, or six small eggs). you can also add a pinch of salt to make the egg whites stiffer.
slowly & gently fold the chocolate mixture into the stiff egg whites in batches. make sure the mixture isn't watery--if it is quickly beat another egg white & fold it in to make the mixture thicker. taste it & add more vanilla, liquor, sugar, zest, etc. as needed.
place in fridge until mousse sets (several hrs.)
serves about 4 non-greedy people.
i usually double the recipe by adding just a bit more chocolate & double the egg whites.
this recipe is quite flexible & forgiving if you keep keep the liquids to a minimum, but be sure your chocolate is of high quality as you can really taste the difference.
also pasteurized eggs from a reputable brand should be used to avoid nasty salmonella.