Elegant White-Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

ELEGANT WHITE CHOCOLATE-PEPPERMINT MOUSSE
1 ½ c. heavy whipping cream, divided
12 oz. white chocolate, chopped
¼ t. peppermint extract
Crushed peppermint candies, garnish

1. Heat ¾ c. cream in heavy saucepan over medium heat.
2. Do not boil.
3. Remove from heat, add chocolate, stirring until melted.
4. Stir in peppermint extract.
5. Cool completely.
6. Beat remaining cream until firm peaks form.
7. Fold in chocolate mixture into whipped cream.
8. Spoon mousse into 8 (3-oz.) cups or glasses.
9. Garnish if desired. Chill until ready to serve.