Clotted cream, a quintessentially British delicacy, is a thick, rich cream that traditionally accompanies scones, strawberries, and tea. Its luxurious texture and luscious taste have made it a favorite in dessert recipes and a staple at afternoon teas across the UK. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of making clotted cream, inspired by the delectable recipes from BBC Good Food.
What is Clotted Cream?
Clotted cream is made by slowly heating full-fat cow’s milk—typically unpasteurized, though pasteurized milk can also be used. The cream rises to the top, thickens, and forms clots due to the slow heating process. This unique cream has a sweet, nutty flavor and a rich consistency that makes it perfect for spreading on scones or dolloping over desserts.
Why Go Homemade?
Making clotted cream at home is surprisingly simple and offers numerous advantages:
- Freshness: Home preparation ensures you enjoy the cream at its freshest.
- Customization: You can control the thickness and flavor to suit your preferences.
The Essential Ingredients
Creating homemade clotted cream requires only a couple of ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Ingredients List
- 1 pint of high-quality, full-fat cow’s milk (preferably non-homogenized)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (preferably unpasteurized, if available)
Detailed Steps to Make Clotted Cream
Making clotted cream requires patience, but the result is worth the wait. Let’s break down the process step by step:
Step 1: Choose Your Milk Wisely
Select a quality milk that is non-homogenized; it should be able to form a thick layer of cream on the top. Most grocery stores will have a selection of full-fat milk that can work well for this purpose.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
You’ll need a shallow oven-safe dish to spread your milk in. The ideal choice is a pyrex dish or ceramic baking dish that allows for even heating. Pour the pint of milk into the dish, and then add the cup of heavy cream.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
Place the baking dish in an oven preheated to a low temperature, about 180°F (or 80°C). It’s crucial to keep the temperature low.
Why Maintain Low Temperature?
The low heat is essential for the gentle bubbling that encourages the cream to clump together. If the temperature is too high, it can scorch the milk, ruining the delicate flavor of your clotted cream.
Step 4: Bake and Wait
Allow the milk and cream mixture to bake for approximately 12 hours. It can be best to do this overnight, so you don’t have to monitor it closely.
Signs That It’s Ready
After about 12 hours, you’ll notice a thick layer of cream forming on top with a golden crust. This signals that your clotted cream is ready.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Turn off the oven and let the dish cool at room temperature for about an hour. Afterward, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
Step 6: Skimming Time
Once your clotted cream has chilled properly, use a slotted spoon to skim off the thickened crust that has formed on top. This is your clotted cream!
What to Do with the Leftover Liquid?
Don’t discard the remaining liquid! It can be re-used in baking or to make a creamy soup.
Storing Your Clotted Cream
For best results, store your clotted cream in an airtight container. It can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for batch preparation.
Serving Suggestions for Clotted Cream
Clotted cream can elevate various dishes and desserts. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
- Traditional Cream Tea: Serve on freshly baked scones with strawberry jam.
- On Top of Desserts: Use as an indulgent topping on cakes, pies, or fresh fruit.
Exploring Variations
While traditional clotted cream is delightful, you may opt for variations to suit different palates.
Lavender Infused Clotted Cream
Infuse the cream with culinary lavender during the heating process to create a fragrant and aromatic blend. Strain the lavender out before cooling.
Vanilla Bean Clotted Cream
Add seeds from a vanilla bean to the cream for an extra layer of flavor. This option works particularly well if you plan to use it in dessert applications.
The Nutritional Benefits of Clotted Cream
Clotted cream, albeit rich, has nutritional properties that can be appealing in moderation.
High in Healthy Fats
Fats are essential for various bodily functions and will help provide long-lasting energy, especially when paired with carb-rich foods like scones.
Source of Vitamins
Dairy products like clotted cream contain essential vitamins, including Vitamin A and other fat-soluble vitamins that are beneficial for skin, vision, and overall well-being.
Occasions to Serve Clotted Cream
Clotted cream is not just for everyday use; it has its place in various occasions.
Afternoon Tea Parties
This traditional British custom is incomplete without scones served with clotted cream and jam.
Celebratory Events
Impress your guests at birthdays or family gatherings by serving clotted cream with desserts.
Seasonal Events
Clotted cream pairs wonderfully with summer fruits, making it ideal for picnics or garden gatherings.
Conclusion
Clotted cream is undoubtedly a luxurious addition to many culinary experiences. Making it at home allows you to enjoy it fresh and customize the flavors to your tastes. By mastering the simple process detailed above, you can take your tea time and dessert servings to the next level.
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in a rich, creamy delight that embodies the essence of British culinary tradition. Whether you enjoy it on scones or as a topping for your favorite desserts, each spoonful of clotted cream promises to be a flavorful journey. Happy cream-making!
What is clotted cream, and how is it different from regular cream?
Clotted cream is a rich, thick cream that has a high fat content, typically around 55-60%. It is made by slowly heating full-fat milk and allowing it to cool, resulting in a cream that has a naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor. The process of “clotting” forms a crust on the surface, which is then skimmed off, giving clotted cream its characteristic texture and taste.
In contrast, regular cream, such as heavy or double cream, tends to be more liquid and has a lower fat content, usually around 36-48%. Regular cream is often used for cooking, baking, and whipping, while clotted cream is primarily enjoyed as an accompaniment to desserts, scones, and fruit. Its unique consistency and flavor make it a delightful addition to afternoon tea or special occasions.
How do you make clotted cream at home?
Making clotted cream at home is a relatively simple process that requires just two ingredients: full-fat milk and time. To start, you need to pour the milk into a shallow baking dish and place it in the oven at a low temperature, around 80°C (175°F), for about 12 hours. This gentle heat allows the cream to rise to the surface and thicken nicely, creating the signature clotted texture.
After the baking time, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for a few hours. Once cooled, you can skim off the thickened cream with a spatula, transferring it to an airtight container. Clotted cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a wonderful homemade treat that can elevate your dessert presentations.
What can clotted cream be served with?
Clotted cream is most commonly associated with British afternoon tea and is traditionally served with freshly baked scones. It pairs beautifully with strawberry jam for a delightful combination of flavors. Aside from scones, clotted cream can also enhance various desserts, including cakes, cheesecakes, and pavlovas, adding a luscious richness that elevates any dish.
In addition to sweet treats, clotted cream can be spooned over fresh fruits like berries and poached pears, offering a luxurious twist to simple desserts. It can also be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even blended into creamy sauces. The versatility of clotted cream makes it a favorite ingredient for both traditional and modern recipes.
Can clotted cream be used in cooking and baking?
While clotted cream is often enjoyed as a topping, it can also be incorporated into various cooking and baking recipes. Its rich flavor adds depth to sauces and soups, making it a great ingredient for creamy pasta dishes or as a finishing touch for gourmet risottos. However, it’s important to remember that clotted cream has a delicately thick consistency, so it may not work as a direct substitute for regular cream in every recipe.
In baking, clotted cream can be used to enrich cakes or muffins, infusing them with moisture and flavor. When added to batters or frostings, it can create a beautifully creamy texture. Just keep in mind that clotted cream is sweeter than regular cream, so you might need to adjust your sugar levels accordingly in certain recipes.
Where can I find clotted cream?
Clotted cream is widely available in supermarkets, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it is a traditional food item. Many grocery stores feature it in the dairy section, often near other specialty creams. If you cannot find it at your local store, some specialty food shops and gourmet markets might carry it as well.
For those living outside the UK or in areas where clotted cream is less common, you can find it online from various retail websites. There are also numerous recipes available if you’re keen on making your own at home, allowing you to enjoy this delightful cream regardless of your location.
What is the shelf life of clotted cream?
Clotted cream has a shelf life of about one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s essential to keep it properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using, such as an off smell or changes in texture, to ensure it’s safe to eat.
If you find yourself with excess clotted cream, you might consider freezing it for longer storage. While clotted cream can be frozen, it may change in texture upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and consume it within two months for the best quality.
Is clotted cream suitable for my diet?
Clotted cream is high in calories and fat due to its rich composition, which may not fit into every diet plan. If you are following a low-fat or calorie-restricted diet, it may be best to enjoy clotted cream in moderation or as an occasional treat. For those who are lactose intolerant, clotted cream may still cause digestive issues because it contains lactose, although some people find that they can tolerate it in smaller quantities.
For those looking for alternatives, several cream substitutes can mimic the thickness and richness of clotted cream without the high calorie count. Options like whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of sugar can provide a similar flavor profile. Always check ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure any substitutions align with your dietary needs.