White Chocolate Mousse Parfaits

1 1/2 pints strawberries

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 Tablespoons cherry-flavord liqueur (optional)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

6 squares (6 ounces) white chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

For sauce: Slice about 3/4 pint strawberries; set aside.

In a food processor or blender, whirl remaining strawberries and sugar until pureed.

Transfer puree to a small saucepan and add sliced berries.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often; boil for 2 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and stir in liqueur and lemon juice.

Transfer to a small bowl and set aside to cool, stirring occasionally.

Cover bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, for mousse: In double boiler, melt chocolate with 1/4 cup cream, stir until smooth.

Remove pan from above water and let stand until cool and thick, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, with a mixer on medium-high speed, beat remaining 3/4 cup cream until stiff peaks form.

Fold about 1/4 of whipped cream into cooled chocolate mixture.

Then fold in the remaining whipped cream.

To assemble parfaits, divide 1/2 of strawberry sauce among 4 parfait glasses.

Spoon 1/2 of mousse on top.

Repeat with remaining sauce and mousse.

Serve right away or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Makes 4 servings.

For a special garnish, use a vegetable peeler to scrape tight curls from a 1-ounce square of white chocolate (at room temperature). Scatter curls on top of parfaits; add mint leaves.