Chop the chocolate into pieces and add to the top of a double boiler which is set over barely simmering water and allow to melt undisturbed.
While the chocolate is melting, sprinkle the gelatin into 1/4 cup of cold water and set aside for 1 minute to bloom.
In a small saucepan bring the 1/2 cup of water to a boil, remove the pan from the heat and add the espresso powder, stirring to dissolve. Add the softened gelatin, stir to combine with the espresso and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl beat the egg yolks until they are thick and pale, beat in the cooled espresso mixture. Add the melted chocolate by spoonfuls, beating until the mixture is combined well.
Optional: For a very smooth textured mousse, pass the chocolate mixture through a fine mesh sieve, scraping the outside of the sieve, then proceed with the egg whites and whip cream.I
n another bowl beat the egg whites until they just hold soft peaks, beat in ¼ cup of the sugar a little at a time and continue to beat the meringue until it holds stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla. Stir one-third of the meringue into the chocolate mixture and fold in the remaining meringue.
In a chilled bowl beat 1-1/4 cups of the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks, beat in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and beat the cream until it holds stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, gently incorporating it completely.
Remove the pan with the brownie and the amaretto mousse layer from the refrigerator, discarding the plastic wrap drape.
Pour the espresso mousse into the prepared pan on top of the firm amaretto mousse layer. There should still be about an inch of the collar extended. Smooth the top, drape a sheet of plastic wrap lightly over the cake, not touching the mousse, and refrigerate until set, then transfer to the freezer to firm up, at least 2 hours. The collar will remove more cleanly if the cake is very cold.
Transfer the mousse cake from the freezer and release the metal ring. Carefully, peel the parchment paper collar from the side of the mousse. If the mousse seems to be sticking to the collar return it to the freezer for a little longer. You will not need to reposition the metal pan ring.
Once the collar has been removed, garnish with chocolate curls and place the layered mousse cake into the refrigerator until serving time. Alternatively, the cake may be frozen for up to one week, remove from the freezer and refrigerate for 2 hours or more, to thaw completely. Garnish with chocolate curls and serve.T
To slice the cake with clean cuts, dip the knife into hot water and wipe clean after each slice.