- 8 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 3 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream
- 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
- Garnish: 8 praline pieces
- In a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate in 1/2 cup water, stirring until smooth, and stir in bourbon until combined well. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat.
- In a large metal bowl with a hand held electric mixer beat eggs and granulated sugar until combined. Set bowl over a large saucepan of simmering water and beat mixture until light and thickened, about 6 minutes.
- In a very small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over remaining 2 tablespoons water and let stand 1 minute to soften. Heat gelatin mixture over moderate heat, stirring, until gelatin is dissolved. Beat chocolate and gelatin mixtures into egg mixture and cool to room temperature.
- In a bowl beat 1 1/2 cups cream until it just holds stiff peaks. Fold cream into chocolate mixture thoroughly and divide among eight 1 1/2-to 2-cup stemmed glasses. Freeze parfaits, covered with plastic wrap, until set, about 1 hour.
- In a bowl beat remaining 2 cups cream until it holds soft peaks. Sift confectioners' sugar over cream and beat until cream just holds stiff peaks.
- Transfer whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip and pipe onto parfaits. Garnish with praline pieces. Freeze parfaits until solid, about 4 hours. Parfaits may be made 2 days ahead and frozen, covered.
- Let parfaits stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.