Opera Creams (AKS French Creams) Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the decadent delight of Opera Creams (AKS French Creams), a luscious candy treat that will elevate your dessert game to new heights. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create these heavenly confections to impress your loved ones or satisfy your own sweet tooth cravings.
- Preparation Time: 0 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3-1/2 pounds
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Melted chocolate (for dipping)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1584.7
- Fat Content: 58.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 36.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 217.4mg
- Sodium Content: 60.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 271.5g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 266.8g
- Protein Content: 3.2g
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients required for making Opera Creams. Ensure that you have a heavy saucepan, a candy thermometer, and a marble slab ready for the cooking process.
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Combine Ingredients: In a 3-quart heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy whipping cream, and cream of tartar. Stir the mixture over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
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Cook the Mixture: Increase the heat slightly and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches a temperature of 236°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer. Be vigilant and watch carefully to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
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Monitor for Crystals: Keep an eye out for any sugar crystals that may form on the sides of the pan. If crystals appear, gently wipe them off using a pastry brush dipped in water. Alternatively, place the lid on the pan as soon as the mixture starts to boil, allowing it to boil for 1 minute. This technique helps wash down any sugar crystals automatically.
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Transfer to Marble Slab: Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, pour it out onto a clean marble slab. Avoid scraping the pan to prevent any crystallization. Let the mixture cool until it reaches a lukewarm temperature, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
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Work the Mixture: Using a spatula or your hands, work the mixture on the marble slab until it becomes creamy and light in color. This process is similar to working with fondant and helps achieve the desired texture for the Opera Creams.
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Add Vanilla: Once the mixture is creamy, add the vanilla extract and incorporate it evenly into the mixture. The vanilla adds a delightful flavor dimension to the Opera Creams.
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Shape the Candies: With the mixture now smooth and pliable, shape it into pieces as desired. You can create traditional square or rectangular shapes, or let your creativity soar with unique designs.
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Dip in Chocolate: For an extra touch of indulgence, dip the shaped Opera Creams into melted chocolate. Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each piece evenly before placing them on parchment paper to set.
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Enjoy: Allow the chocolate coating to set completely before serving or storing the Opera Creams in an airtight container. These delectable treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a special indulgence for yourself.
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts such as almond or peppermint.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle crushed nuts or edible glitter over the chocolate-coated Opera Creams before the chocolate sets.
- Store the Opera Creams in a cool, dry place for optimal freshness, and enjoy them within a week for the best taste and texture.
Embrace the art of candy-making with this exquisite Opera Creams recipe, and treat yourself to a taste of sweet luxury with every creamy bite. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with your favorite hot beverage, these French-inspired delights are sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure filled with sweetness and delight!
