Cream Perfect Love Recipe π¨
Overview:
Cream Perfect Love is a delightful dessert, sourced from a renowned NYT Magazine article and inspired by the flavors of the Alice B. Toklas Cookbook. This luscious treat offers a perfect blend of creamy textures and subtle sweetness, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, weeknight indulgences, or anytime you crave a decadent yet refreshing dessert. The preparation time is minimal, but the real magic happens during the six-hour refrigeration process, allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to set perfectly.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 397.1
- Fat Content: 26.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 213.1mg
- Sodium Content: 49.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37.2g
- Sugar Content: 33.4g
- Protein Content: 5.2g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cloves
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Berries (for garnish)
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat the milk and cloves in a saucepan over low heat until hot. | Prep: 5 minutes |
| 2 | Combine the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and beat until lemon colored. | Prep: 10 minutes |
| 3 | Slowly beat in the warm milk and cloves, then place in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. | Prep: 15 minutes |
| 4 | Stir with a wooden spoon until the custard is hot and coats the back of the spoon, about 15 minutes. | Cooking: 15 minutes |
| 5 | Remove from heat, strain into a mixing bowl, and let cool slightly. | Cooling: 10 minutes |
| 6 | Meanwhile, place the gelatin in a small dish and add 1/4 cup cold water. Set aside to bloom for about 5 minutes. | Prep: 5 minutes |
| 7 | Stir the gelatin into the custard and continue to stir constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the custard has cooled. | Assembly: 10 minutes |
| 8 | For rapid cooling, place the bowl of custard in a larger bowl of ice water. Lightly grease a 5-cup mold or bowl with oil or nonstick cooking spray. | Assembly: 5 minutes |
| 9 | Place heavy cream in a deep bowl and whip until peaks are firm but not stiff. | Assembly: 10 minutes |
| 10 | Fold in the lemon zest and then the whipped cream into the custard mixture. | Assembly: 5 minutes |
| 11 | Pour the mixture into the prepared mold and refrigerate until firm, approximately 6 hours. | Refrigeration: 6 hours |
| 12 | When ready to serve, gently pull the custard away from the sides of the mold with your thumb to break the suction. Invert onto a serving dish and remove the mold. | Serving: 5 minutes |
| 13 | Surround the creamy delight with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. | Serving: 2 minutes |
Tips:
- Blooming Gelatin: Allow the gelatin to bloom undisturbed for the best results. This step ensures proper hydration, leading to a smoother texture in the final dessert.
- Whipping Cream: Whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks, ensuring a light and airy texture in the custard.
- Chilling Time: Be patient during the refrigeration process; this allows the custard to set properly and develop its full flavor profile.
- Serving Presentation: For an elegant presentation, garnish the molded custard with additional lemon zest or a sprig of mint before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Cream Perfect Love pairs beautifully with a variety of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm summer evenings, or as a delightful finish to a cozy winter meal.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy chilled straight from the fridge or allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Enjoy your Cream Perfect Love!
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this exquisite dessert, and savor every spoonful of its velvety texture and delicate flavors. Whether shared at a gathering or enjoyed as a weeknight treat, Cream Perfect Love is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
