Brownie Terrarium Recipe

How to Make Brownie Terrarium

1. **Make the Chocolate Mousse:**
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large egg yolks, ½ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until pale and thickened.
3. In a small saucepan, heat ¼ cup heavy cream over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 4 oz (113g) finely chopped dark chocolate until melted and smooth.
5. Whisk ⅓ of the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture, then pour the yolk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining melted chocolate.
6. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
8. In a clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
9. Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until just combined.
10. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a ¾-inch round tip. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
11. **Make the Brownies:**
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
13. Melt ¼ cup vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in 6 oz (170g) dark chocolate until melted and smooth.
14. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup coconut flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
15. In a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, beat 2 large eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually add ½ cup granulated sugar and beat until incorporated.
16. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
17. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
18. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
19. Let cool completely before cutting into small squares.
20. **Make the Coconut Moss:**
21. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
22. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut and a few drops of green food coloring gel until evenly colored.
23. Spread onto prepared baking sheet in a thin layer. Let dry completely (at least 2 hours).
24. **Assemble the Terrarium:**
25. Pipe chocolate mousse into a clear glass bowl or jar.
26. Layer with candy rocks, graham crackers, crumbled brownies, and coconut moss.
27. Top with meringue cacti (recipe not included – use store-bought or your favorite meringue recipe).
28. Refrigerate until ready to serve.