Clotted Cream: A Taste of Tradition
Clotted cream, a quintessentially British delight, is an indulgent and rich cream that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in the South West of England. Traditionally served with scones, strawberries, and jam during the classic afternoon tea, clotted cream boasts a luxurious texture and a subtly sweet, buttery flavor. If you’re a fan of creamy, decadent treats, clotted cream is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Here, we delve into the recipe details, preparation steps, and nutritional information for making this delightful treat at home.
Ingredients:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 20 cups (approx. 5 liters)
- Milk: 2 cups (approx. 500 ml)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 260.6 kcal
- Fat: 22.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 13.9 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
- Sodium: 83 mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.7 g
- Sugar: 8.6 g
- Protein: 6.2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Preparation Steps:
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Mixing the Ingredients:
- Begin by filling a deep, wide-mouthed bowl with the heavy whipping cream and milk. This combination is essential for achieving the rich texture characteristic of traditional clotted cream.
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Initial Refrigeration:
- Place the bowl with the cream mixture in the refrigerator. Allow it to rest for several hours, preferably overnight. This initial cooling stage helps to start the cream thickening process.
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Setting Up the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 82 degrees Celsius). This low and slow heating process is crucial for forming the signature clotted layer.
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Water Bath Preparation:
- Boil several cups of water and pour the hot water into a large pan that can accommodate the bowl of cream. This water bath method ensures gentle and even heating, preventing the cream from scorching.
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Heating the Cream:
- Place the pan with hot water into the preheated oven. Then, carefully set the bowl of cream mixture into the pan of water. The bowl should be stable and the water level should reach about halfway up the sides of the bowl.
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Formation of the Clotted Layer:
- Leave the bowl in the oven for at least 1.5 hours, but it can take longer depending on the fat content of the cream and milk. The top of the cream will form a nubbly, yellowish-cream crust. This is the clotted cream.
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Rapid Cooling:
- Once the surface is nicely crusted, remove the bowl from the water bath and cool it rapidly by placing it in a bowl of ice water. This step halts the cooking process and helps to set the clotted layer.
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Final Refrigeration:
- After the initial cooling, place the bowl in the refrigerator until it is very cold. This step is essential for the cream to achieve its final thick, spreadable consistency.
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Harvesting the Clotted Cream:
- Using a skimmer or a large slotted spoon, carefully remove the crusted cream from the top of the bowl. Place it into another bowl, ensuring to include a bit of the creamy liquid underneath. Stirring in some of the liquid helps to achieve the desired consistency as the clotted cream firms up.
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Repeat the Process:
- Place the bowl of remaining milk back into the pan of water in the oven to allow a second crust to form. This process maximizes the yield of clotted cream from the milk and cream mixture. Add the second crust to the first one, mixing in some of the liquid as needed.
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Utilizing the Leftover Milk:
- The remaining milk after removing the clotted cream is ideal for making rice pudding or can be used in baking recipes, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Serving Suggestions:
Clotted cream is best enjoyed fresh, spread generously over warm scones or bread, and topped with a dollop of strawberry or raspberry jam. It can also be served with fresh berries or used as a luxurious topping for desserts like pies and cakes.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
Clotted cream is deeply rooted in British culinary traditions, particularly in Devon and Cornwall, where it is a staple of the classic cream tea. The process of making clotted cream has been refined over centuries, passed down through generations as a cherished family recipe. This creamy indulgence not only adds a touch of elegance to any tea time but also carries with it a sense of history and cultural pride.
Nutritional Insights:
While clotted cream is undeniably rich and calorie-dense, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Its high fat content, particularly saturated fat, means it should be consumed sparingly, especially for those monitoring their cholesterol levels. However, the occasional indulgence can be a delightful treat, providing a luxurious experience that is well worth the caloric splurge.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh heavy whipping cream with a high fat content for the best results. The richer the cream, the better the clotted cream will be.
- Patience is Key: The process of making clotted cream is time-intensive, requiring patience to achieve the perfect texture. Rushing through the steps can result in a less satisfactory product.
- Proper Cooling: Ensuring the cream cools rapidly and thoroughly between stages is crucial for setting the clotted layer and achieving the desired consistency.
- Storing Clotted Cream: Store clotted cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to five days, although it is best enjoyed fresh.
Variations and Uses:
While traditional clotted cream is typically made with just cream and milk, variations can include adding a touch of sugar or vanilla for a slightly sweetened version. Additionally, clotted cream can be used in various culinary applications beyond scones and tea time. Try incorporating it into recipes for cakes, pastries, and even savory dishes that call for a rich, creamy element.
Clotted Cream Recipe Card
Clotted Cream
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Cuisine: European
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 20 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups milk
Instructions:
- Fill a deep, wide-mouthed bowl with the cream and the milk.
- Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for several hours (preferably overnight).
- Heat the oven to 180 degrees F.
- Boil several cups of water and pour it into a pan large enough to accommodate the bowl of milk.
- Place the pan into the pre-heated oven.
- Set the bowl of milk into the pan of water in the oven and leave until the top of the milk is crusted with a nubbly yellowish-cream surface (this will take at least 1.5 hours, but it is prudent to allow longer since this process varies depending on the fat content of the milk and cream).
- Once the surface is nicely crusted, remove the bowl from the pan and cool it rapidly in a bowl of ice water.
- Place the cooled bowl in the refrigerator until very cold.
- Remove the crust from the cream with a skimmer or a large slotted spoon and put it into another bowl with a bit of the creamy liquid underneath; as the clotted cream firms up you will need to stir in the liquid to achieve a nice consistency.
- Put the milk bowl back into the pan of water in the oven for a second crust to form, and add that in its turn to the first one.
- Note: The leftover milk is great to make rice pudding, or can be used in baking.
Conclusion
Making clotted cream at home is a rewarding process that allows you to bring a touch of British tradition to your table. The rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a versatile addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re preparing for an elegant tea party or simply looking to indulge in a luxurious treat, this homemade clotted cream recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the journey of creating this delightful cream, and savor every spoonful of its rich, buttery goodness.
