whipped cream
Description
Fresh cream with 30% or more fat can be turned into whipped cream by mixing it with air. The resulting colloid is roughly double the volume of the original cream as air bubbles are captured in a network of fat droplets. If, however, the whipping is continued, the fat droplets will stick together destroying the colloid and forming butter; the remaining liquid is buttermilk. Confectioner's sugar (also known as icing sugar) is sometimes added to the colloid in order to stiffen the mixture and to reduce the risk of over whipping.
Cream will whip better if you add a pinch of salt. When whipping cream, add the sugar when the cream is mostly whipped, and the cream will whip to a higher volume. Adding the sugar at the beginning results in lower volume. When whipping cream the cream should be as cold as possible, and the bowl should also be very cold. The cream will whip easier and to a higher volume when very cold. A stainless steel bowl is a good choice since it keeps the cream colder. Whether you're beating by hand or with an electric beater, make sure not to overbeat. You'll end up with butter! You can make your whipped cream up to 4 hours ahead of time. Just cover and keep in the fridge until you need it.
How to Select
Whipped cream is easily available in market, in tins or pouches. It is highly perishable. Keep it refrigerated, and use it within a few days.
Culinary Uses
" Perfectly whipped cream can lift up a dish immensely: soft, creamy and light with a hint of sweetness, it's a perfect accompaniment to cakes and tarts, or as an ingredient in mousses, fresh fruits or pies and other desserts.
" Use this sweetened whipped cream topping for cream pie topping or serve with gingerbread or other desserts.
" Freshly whipped cream adds volume and velvety texture to mousses and batters.
" When lightly flavored with sugar, liqueur, extract or citrus zest, whipped cream adds a rich, snowy blanket to fresh fruit, cakes and tarts.
" Whipped cream is a typical topping for most coffee drinks, both hot and cold.
" It is suitable for decorating cakes.
Some popular whipped flavoured creams -
Vanilla Whipped Cream
2 cups whipping cream
3 tbsp vanilla sugar
Espresso Whipped Cream
1 cup whipping cream
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp espresso powder
Coffee Whipped Cream
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp instant coffee crystals
Cinnamon Whipped Cream
1 cup whipping cream
3 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Chocolate Whipped Cream
1 cup whipping cream
3 tbsp icing sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
Strawberry Whipped Cream
1 cup whipping cream
3 tbsp icing sugar
2-3 tbsp strawberry crush
Make any flavour of your choice and whip the cream with the ingredients accordingly. Tastes lip-smacking on Desserts or Coffee - Hot or Cold.
How to Store
To store cream, keep it refrigerated in a closed container. It should be ideally used within one week. All cream, unless ultra pasteurized, is highly perishable and should be kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator. It keeps for several weeks longer, but once opened, it should be handled like pasteurized cream. Freezing is not recommended for unwhipped cream, but once whipped, cream may be frozen. Place dollops of whipped cream on waxed paper and freeze. When frozen, wrap individually for use as needed.
Health Benefits
" Cream is often thought to provide only fat, but it also contains vitamin A and some riboflavin (B2) and calcium.
" Best food for Underweight individual but if consumed in excess, can lead to obesity and other health problems.