Many ingredients can be replaced quite simply. This is the case with "heavy cream". Listed in many recipes, especially those of North American origin, this item is very easy to prepare at home. It is 36% or more fat, and usage is very similar to our heavy cream. To prepare a homemade heavy cream in a matter of minutes, you will need only a few ingredients. Keep reading to learn.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
- 1/3 cup of butter
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the heavy cream
Step 1. Melt the butter
For this, it is necessary that it is at room temperature. There are a few ways to melt this ingredient. Here are some of them:
- On the stove: place the butter in a skillet and bring to low heat. This ingredient starts to melt from 28 °C, that is, the temperature on a very hot day. Keep an eye on the procedure and remove the pan from the heat when approximately 3/4 of the butter has melted. During melting, use a spoon or spatula to stir the ingredient over and over.
- In the microwave: chop the butter into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Then microwave for 10 second intervals until melted.
Step 2. Pour the melted butter over the milk
In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 melted butter and 3/4 cup whole milk. Don't forget to let the butter cool first.
If you prefer to use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, add 1 tablespoon of wheat flour to thicken
Step 3. Mix ingredients with an electric mixer, wire whisk, fork or spoon
Stir non-stop for several minutes until thick and foaming.
Remember that homemade heavy cream will not turn into whipped cream the way a purchased product would
Step 4. Store the "heavy cream" (optional)
To do this, pour into a covered container and refrigerate for one to two days.
Step 5. Use the finished ingredient
In the recipe, put the homemade "heavy cream" in the same proportion as the item purchased at the supermarket. For example, use 1 cup (236 ml) in cakes, cookies, soups or sauces.
Method 2 of 2: Ingredient Variations
Step 1. Use low-fat milk and cornstarch
If, for whatever reason, you only drink skim milk, don't worry. You can use it as a base for "heavy cream". In this case, measure out 1 cup of milk and add 2 tablespoons of unflavored cornstarch or gelatin so that the mixture can thicken. Then stir with a wire whisk for three or four minutes.
Step 2. Try tofu and soy milk if you prefer something more vegetarian and non-fat
To mix both ingredients, use a blender.
This variation is much healthier than true heavy cream
Step 3. Use powdered milk and cottage cheese Mix cottage cheese and skim milk powder in equal amounts to create a much less caloric version of heavy cream
The tip is to mix well until smooth.
If you don't have powdered milk, you can use skim milk without problems
Step 4. Use evaporated milk and vanilla essence
Allow the milk to cool and then add the essence to taste.
This mix is great for soups
Step 5. Use Greek milk and yogurt
This type of yogurt is much thicker than the conventional one and, therefore, it can be used in a "heavy cream" recipe where you want to reduce the fat content. However, in some recipes, such as breads and cookies, use half Greek yogurt and half whole milk to preserve flavor.
- If you want less fat in recipes like cheesecakes, where texture is critical, substitute only half the heavy cream for yogurt.
- Keep in mind that yogurt cooks when heated too quickly. Therefore, always work on low heat.
- You can even make Greek yogurt at home by pouring 2 cups of plain yogurt into a cheesecloth. Several hours later you will have 1 cup of yogurt.
Step 6. Another popular ingredient in North American recipes is "half and half"
It is nothing more than a mixture of milk and cream. How about using it to make heavy cream? Just add butter. The following recipe is to replace 1 cup of "heavy cream". Melt 1/6 cup of butter and allow to cool - do not allow it to solidify during this process. Put 7/8 cup of milk and cream mixed together in a bowl and gradually add butter until smooth.
Step 7. Use nonfat cream cheese
The final consistency will be the same, but the calories and fat will be greatly reduced.
- If the recipe calls for 1 cup of "heavy cream", use only 1/2 cup of cream cheese.
- As cream cheese is a little bitter, don't use this version in recipes that demand the sweetness of "heavy cream".