Indulge in the delightful realm of Crème Fraîche, a culinary treasure that has captivated taste buds for centuries. Originating in the heart of France, this cultured cream boasts a rich, velvety texture and a tangy yet smooth flavor profile that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. But Crème Fraîche is more than just a versatile ingredient; it's an experience that opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
**In this comprehensive guide to Crème Fraîche**, you'll embark on a journey through its history, techniques, and a delectable array of recipes that showcase its versatility. From classic French desserts like Crème Brûlée and Mousse au Chocolat to savory sauces, dips, and even baked goods, you'll discover how Crème Fraîche transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary creations.
**So, prepare to be amazed as we whip, whisk, and savor the magic of Crème Fraîche. Unleash your inner chef and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.**
GRANNY SMITH APPLES AND GINGER BREAD PUDDING WITH VANILLA BEAN CREME ANGLAISE AND CREME FRAICHE WHIPPED CREAM
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- For the bread pudding custard: Combine the cream, milk, vanilla bean and seeds in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
- Whisk together the yolks, granulated sugar and maple syrup in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the hot cream mixture until combined. Remove the vanilla pod and whisk in the apple brandy. Strain the custard into a clean bowl.
- For the apple-ginger caramel sauce: To a saute pan over medium-high heat, add the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and allow to melt. Next, add the apples, cinnamon sticks and ginger and saute until softened but still hold their shape. Season with salt. Deglaze with the apple brandy and allow to cook until the sauce has become a thick, glazy consistency. Remove the cinnamon sticks. Combine the apple-ginger caramel sauce with the bread.
- For the anglaise: Bring the half-and-half, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean seeds to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk together the yolks and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until at the pale ribbon stage. Slowly whisk in the hot half-and-half, return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture coats the back of the spoon. Strain into a bowl and set over an ice bath. Stir until chilled. Cover with plastic wrap directly on surface and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving
- To assemble and bake: Place the silicone molds in a roasting pan. Fill the molds with the soaked bread, and then pour the bread pudding custard over the bread, pressing down on the bread to totally submerge it in the custard. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up some of the custard.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and pour in hot tap water until it comes halfway up the sides of the inner roasting pan. Bake until the sides are slightly puffed and the center jiggles slightly, about 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and the water bath and cool on a baking rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- For the whipped cream: In a cold bowl, whisk the cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold in the creme fraiche until combined.
- Unmold the bread pudding, serve with the vanilla bean creme anglaise and whipped cream. Dust with cinnamon, powdered sugar and garnish with mint. Bread pudding is best served warm.
BLOOD ORANGE POLENTA UPSIDE DOWN-CAKE WITH WHIPPED CRèME FRAîCHE
Provided by Karen DeMasco
Categories Cake Milk/Cream Mixer Citrus Egg Dessert High Fiber Orange Cornmeal Spring Bon Appétit Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For cake:
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Combine 6 tablespoons sugar and 3 tablespoons water in 10-inch-diameter ovenproof skillet with 8-inch-diameter bottom and 2 1/2-inch-high sides.Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup is golden amber (not dark amber), occasionally brushing down sides of skillet with wet pastry brush and swirling skillet, about 4 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and whisk 2 tablespoons butter into caramel. Set aside.
- Cut off both rounded ends of each orange so that ends are even and flat. Using sharp knife, cut oranges into 1/16- to 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Remove and discard any seeds. Arrange orange slices, overlapping slightly, in concentric circles atop caramel in bottom of skillet.
- Whisk flour, polenta, baking powder, and coarse kosher salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat 3/4 cup sugar, remaining 6 tablespoons room-temperature butter, and vanilla in another medium bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions, beating batter just until incorporated.
- Using clean dry beaters, beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Fold 1/3 of egg whites into batter to lighten, then fold in remaining egg whites in 2 additions. Drop batter by large spoonfuls atop orange slices in skillet, then spread evenly.
- Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool cake in skillet 10 minutes. Run small knife around cake to loosen. Place platter atop skillet. Using oven mitts, hold platter and skillet firmly together and invert, allowing cake to settle onto platter. Rearrange any orange slices that may have become dislodged. Cool cake completely at room temperature.
- For whipped crème fraîche:
- Using electric mixer, beat chilled crème fraîche and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl until mixture thickens.
- Cut cake into wedges and serve with dollop of whipped crème fraîche.
- Available at most supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
SAVORY PUMPKIN PIE SOUP WITH CINNAMON MARSHMALLOWS, PEPITA STREUSEL, AND WHIPPED CRèME FRAîCHE
Provided by Graham Elliot
Categories Soup/Stew Milk/Cream Appetizer Christmas Lunch Spice Pumpkin Fall Winter Anise Cinnamon Clove Christmas Eve Seed Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 28
Steps:
- Make the pumpkin soup:
- Wrap the cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick, allspice berries, peppercorns, and fresh ginger in cheesecloth and secure with kitchen string.
- In a large heavy pot over moderate heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, garlic, celery, and leeks and sauté until translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the pumpkin, 2 quarts water, and the spice package and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer uncovered until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Remove and discard the spice package. Working in small batches, ladle the soup into a blender and purée until smooth. Transfer to a clean large pot then sprinkle with nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve. DO AHEAD: Soup can be made in advance and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 3 days. Reheat in a large pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally.
- Make the cinnamon marshmallows:
- In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine marshmallows and cinnamon and gently toss to coat the marshmallows in cinnamon. DO AHEAD: Marshmallows can be prepared in advance and stored, in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days.
- Make the pepita streusel:
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the butter and, using your hands, rub the ingredients together until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add the pepitas and toss to combine. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the streusel to a rack to cool, then break it into roughly 1-inch pieces. DO AHEAD: Streusel can be made in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days.
- Make the whipped crème fraîche:
- In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream and crème fraîche. Whisk until light and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Whipped crème fraîche can be made in advance and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 2 hours.
- To serve:
- Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with the streusel, marshmallows, and dollops of whipped crème fraîche.
HAZELNUT FRANGIPANE TART WITH APRICOTS AND SOFTLY WHIPPED CREME FRAICHE
Hazelnut Frangipane Tart with Apricots and Softly Whipped Creme Fraiche tastes best with apricots that are just ripe, sa they are easiest to peel when blanched.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Pie & Tarts Recipes
Yield Makes one 9-inch tart
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cut dough into a 6-inch round piece (reserve remaining dough for another use), and press into a 9-inch round tart pan with removable bottom, making dough about 1/4 inch thick. Patch with pieces of dough if necessary. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Trim dough flush with rim, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line tart shell with parchment, and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until edges are golden, about 20 minutes. Rotate tart shell, and remove parchment and weights. Cover edges with a strip of foil. Bake until bottom is crisp and lightly golden, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees.
- Pulse 1/3 cup hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground. Stir together ground hazelnuts, flour, and salt.
- Beat butter and granulated sugar until pale and creamy. Beat in egg. Add hazelnut mixture, and beat until just combined. (Frangipane can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week.)
- Spoon frangipane into cooled tart shell, and smooth with a spatula. Let stand for 10 minutes. Bake until set, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a pan of water to a boil. Lightly score bottoms of apricots. Add apricots to boiling water, and blanch to loosen skins, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to ice-water bath to stop the cooking, about 1 minute. Remove apricots, and gently peel. Cut in half, and remove pits.
- Just before serving, beat cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form; whisk in creme fraiche. Spread over frangipane. Arrange 7 apricot halves, cut side down, around edge. Cut remaining apricot half into thirds and arrange in center.
- Melt jam in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in lemon juice, and set aside to cool for 5 or 10 minutes. Pour through a sieve; discard solids. Brush strained jam over apricots, and spoon remaining glaze over cream. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons hazelnuts around apricots. Serve immediately.
PEAR AND WALNUT UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE WITH WHIPPED CRèME FRAîCHE
Provided by Cal Peternell, Chez Panisse Restaurant and Café
Categories Cake Dessert Bake Kid-Friendly Pear Walnut Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free Kosher Small Plates
Yield One 9-inch cake
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- For the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut a half-stick of butter into slices and place it and the brown sugar in the cake pan. Set the pan over a medium-high burner. Stir as the butter and sugar melt together and continue until the mixture gets pale and bubbly, swirly when stirred, and toasty brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool. (Note: If you'd rather not make the caramel in the cake pan, you can use a large skillet instead and simply pour the caramel into the cake pan when done.)
- Arrange the pear wedges in the cake pan in an even patter. Sprinkle the walnuts evenly over the pears.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
- Place the remaining 1 1/2 sticks of butter in the bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl. Beat the heck out of the butter using the paddle attachment of a stand mixer or a hand mixer until it gets lighter in both color and consistency. Add the sugar and beat until well blended and fluffy.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites and set the whites aside in a medium bowl. Stir the yolks into the butter mixture until completely blended (no need to beat, and then stir the vanilla. Add half the dry ingredients and stir until mixed in. Stir in the milk until completely smooth, then the rest of the dry ingredients just until fully incorporated; set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the egg whites until very fluffy. The whites should look shiny with soft peaks-stop whisking before they get dry looking. Gently but thoroughly fold the whipped whites into the batter-all the air that you just whipped in will go out of the whites if you over-mix at this point. Pour the batter over the fruit and gently smooth the top.
- Put the cake in the oven and start checking for doneness in 35 minutes: peek in, give the pan a tiny nudge, and look for jigglyness in the center. If it wobbles and looks soft and crinkled on top, gently close the door and set the timer for 5 more minutes. If it's looking set, slide the rack out and touch the top of the cake with your fingers, testing for bounce-back. If your touch leaves a dent that stays, return the cake to the oven. If it does spring back, the final test is sticking a toothpick into center of the cake. When it comes out moist, but crumb-free, it's done!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, invert a plate on top of the pan, and carefully but quickly flip it over. Tap the bottom of the pan if the cake doesn't fall onto the plate on its own. Lift the pan away and replace any pear slices that may have stuck there.
- When ready to serve, combine all the ingredients for the whipped crème fraîche in a large bowl; whip until thick and fluffy, but still soft.
- Slice the cake and serve each wedge with a dollop of whipped crème fraîche.
BUTTERSCOTCH BUDINO WITH WHIPPED CRèME FRAîCHE
Categories Milk/Cream Rum Egg Dessert Vanilla Winter Chill Sour Cream Bon Appétit Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- For budino:
- Mix cream and milk in large bowl. Whisk egg, egg yolks, and cornstarch in medium bowl. Stir sugar, 1/2 cup water, and salt in heavy large pot over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and boil without stirring until mixture turns thick, syrupy, and dark amber, occasionally swirling pot and brushing down sides with wet pastry brush, about 7 minutes. Immediately whisk in cream mixture (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir to dissolve caramel bits. Bring mixture to boil, watching closely to prevent mixture from bubbling over, then reduce heat to medium. Gradually whisk half of hot caramel mixture into egg mixture. Return mixture to pot, whisking to blend. Whisk over medium heat until custard boils and is very thick, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add butter and rum; stir until melted and smooth. Strain.
- Divide custard among ten 6-ounce glasses or cups. Chill uncovered until cold, about 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.
- For toppings:
- Place 1/2 cup cream in small saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Add butter and set aside. Stir sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons water in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and boil without stirring until mixture turns medium amber color, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with wet pastry brush, about 6 minutes. Immediately whisk in cream mixture (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir to dissolve caramel bits. Set pan in large bowl of ice water to cool. Discard vanilla bean. DO AHEAD: Caramel sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
- Using electric mixer, beat remaining 1/4 cup cream in medium bowl until peaks form. Add crme frache and beat until soft peaks form. Place 1 budino on each of 10 plates. Reheat caramel sauce just until warm. Spoon 1 tablespoon caramel sauce over each budino. Spoon dollop of whipped crème fraîche over and sprinkle with fleur de sel.
- *A type of sea salt; available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
WHIPPED CRèME FRAîCHE
Categories Condiment/Spread Milk/Cream Dairy Quick & Easy Vanilla Spring Sour Cream Bon Appétit
Yield Makes about 7 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Using electric mixer, beat all ingredients in large bowl until stiff peaks form.
BROWN SUGAR CUSTARD WITH STRAWBERRY COMPOTE, WHIPPED CREME FRAICHE AND ALMOND HONEYCOMB
Steps:
- For the custard: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Combine the cream and vanilla seeds in a small saucepan and cook until it reaches 180 degrees F or tiny bubbles form on the side of the pot.
- Combine the egg yolks, brown sugar and salt in a large bowl and whisk until light and smooth in color. Slowly add the hot cream mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from overcooking.
- Transfer the custard to a large measuring cup or pitcher, then divide it among four 8-ounce mason jars, filling about two-thirds of the way full. Place them in a deep baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water, coming about halfway up the sides of the jars. Cover the jars with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven; bake until the custard jiggles like gelatin when the jars are tapped, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, uncover and transfer to the refrigerator to chill until set, about 1 hour and up to overnight. Alternatively, place in the freezer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- For the compote: Prepare an ice bath and set aside.
- Combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, cloves, salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the strawberries are soft, the liquid is syrupy and the bubbles are thick and slow, about 20 minutes. Cool down completely over the ice bath. (The compote will thicken as it cools.) Finish with the lemon juice.
- For the honeycomb candy: Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Spread the almonds in an even layer on a second baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly golden and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, honey, salt and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepot. Whisk the solution together gently and wipe the sides of the pot down with water so it does not have any sugar crystals stuck to it. Heat the solution over medium heat until it reaches 300 degrees F on a candy thermometer, 10 to 12 minutes. Fold in the almonds and whisk in the baking soda. Immediately pour the mixture out into the lined baking dish, using a rubber spatula to smooth into an even layer. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes.
- Cut the honeycomb into sticks or break into shards.
- In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the creme fraiche with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Place a large spoonful of the strawberry compote on top of each custard and top with a dollop of the whipped creme fraiche. Stick a shard or stick of the honeycomb into each and garnish with the fresh mint.
Tips for Making Whipped Crème Fraîche:
- Use cold crème fraîche: Cold crème fraîche will whip up more easily and hold its shape better.
- Whip the crème fraîche gradually: Start by whipping the crème fraîche on low speed and gradually increase the speed as it thickens.
- Don't overwhip the crème fraîche: Overwhipping the crème fraîche will cause it to become grainy.
- Use a large bowl: The crème fraîche will double in volume as it's whipped, so be sure to use a large enough bowl.
- Chill the bowl and beaters: Chilling the bowl and beaters will help the crème fraîche whip up more easily.
- Flavor the crème fraîche: Once it's whipped, you can flavor the crème fraîche with a variety of ingredients, such as vanilla extract, honey, or fresh herbs.
Conclusion:
Whipped crème fraîche is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts and savory dishes. It's easy to make and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love