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Simple Tip: Chill Kitchen Tools Before Whipping Cream

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:00:43 -0700

While whipping cream for strawberry shortcake the other day, I was reminded of a helpful prep tip that I always employ: stay cool. Using refrigerated cream helps produce stiff peaks, but it's important to chill your mixing bowl and beaters - and even keep the kitchen frigid, if possible. When cream is whipped at a lower temperature, fat globules stick together to support the foam created by whipping in a large amount of tiny air bubbles. Therefore, beating cream at a cooler temperature will produce the largest amount of volume.

What are your best suggestions for whipping heavy cream?

Celebrate the 4th With Red, White, or Blue Recipes

partysugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:50:20 -0700

The 4th of July is this weekend, and that means it's time to get festive! Show your patriotic pride by cooking with red, white, and blue ingredients. Many of the season's most delicious offerings - strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and blueberries - fit the color scheme, so don't be afraid to get creative. Here are 10 dishes to inspire your all-American celebration.

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Make Use of Summer's Berries With Ina's Pavlova

partysugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:24 -0700

Ever since I saw Ina Garten make a berry pavlova on her Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa, I've fantasized about making one myself. The episode debuted in 2006 and here I am three years later, finally making the recipe! A pavlova is a dessert consisting of a meringue disk filled with whipped cream and chopped fruit.

Although it requires time and patience, the recipe is rather simple. The three components are made separately and then are combined just before serving. Ina's pavlova includes blueberries, but I subbed in cherries - feel free to use your favorite fruit.

The final dessert is sophisticated, scrumptious, and ideal for Summer entertaining. The outside of the meringue is crisp, while the inside is pillowy and marshmallow-like. The whipped sweetened cream forms a fluffy cushion for the perfectly ripe plump berries. To get started with your own pavlova you'll need the recipe so, read more.

Mixed Berry Pavlova
Modified From Ina Garten

Ingredients

4 large egg whites, room temperature
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sweetened Whipped Cream, recipe follows
1/2 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 pint fresh cherries
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
Triple Raspberry Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using an overturned bowl or a cake pan as a guide, trace a 9-inch circle onto parchment. Turn parchment over, marked side down.
Beat egg whites, cornstarch, salt, and vinegar with a mixer on medium speed until foamy.
Gradually add sugar. Raise speed to medium-high, and beat until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes.
Reduce speed to medium, and gradually add confectioners' sugar. Raise speed to medium-high, and beat until very stiff, glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes. Beat in vanilla.
Using a rubber spatula or a large spoon, spread meringue into marked 9-inch circle on prepared baking sheet, forming a well in center.
Bake until outside is firm and bottom lifts easily off parchment, about 2 hours. The inside should still be marshmallow soft. Turn off the oven, keep the door closed, and allow the meringue to cool completely in the oven, about 1 hour or overnight. It will be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. When cool, carefully remove from parchment. Pavlova can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Spread the top completely with sweetened whipped cream.
Combine the strawberries, cherries and raspberries in a bowl and toss with about 1/2 cup of raspberry sauce, or enough to coat the berries lightly. Spoon the berries carefully into the middle of the Pavlova, leaving a border of cream and meringue. Serve immediately in large scoops with extra raspberry sauce.

Serves 8-10.

Sweetened Whipped Cream:
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whip the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (you can also use a hand mixer). When it starts to thicken, add the sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until firm. Don't overbeat!

Makes 1 cup.

Triple Raspberry Sauce:
1 half-pint fresh raspberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup seedless raspberry jam (12-ounce jar)
1 tablespoon framboise liqueur

Place the raspberries, sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 4 minutes. Pour the cooked raspberries, the jam, and framboise into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until smooth. Chill.

Makes 2 cups.

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Hot Chocolate Topping: Whipped Cream or Marshmallows?

partysugar — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:30:07 -0800

Source

Pumpkin Cake = Perfect Alternative to Pumpkin Pie

partysugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:15:43 -0800

Last week I was asked to make a sweet contribution to BabySugar's baby shower. Since the shower was a surprise, I decided what kind of cake to make. Filled with Fall flavors, this pumpkin cake with pecan brittle and whipped cream-cheese frosting is to die for. The cake is moist, rich, and delicious. The crisp pecan brittle provides a snappy texture while the creamy frosting is not overly sugary. This cake was a huge success at the party and it was devoured in mere minutes. On a Thanksgiving table it would be a festive alternative to the classic pumpkin pie. To look at the recipe, read more.

Pumpkin Cake With Pecan Brittle and Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
From Everyday with Rachael Ray

Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar
2 cups pecans (about 8 ounces)
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup milk
Grated zest of 1 orange
One 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, at room temperature
3 cups heavy cream, chilled
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Butter two 8-x-2-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper and butter the parchment. Flour the pans.*
In a large skillet, melt 2 cups granulated sugar over medium-high heat until light amber, about 7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, add the pecans and quickly stir to coat. Transfer the pecans to the prepared baking sheet and, using a metal spatula, spread in a single layer to cool completely.
Place the praline in a sturdy resealable plastic bag and crush into pieces; set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, sift together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
Using an electric mixer, beat together the butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until combined.
Beat in the flour mixture in 3 parts alternately with the milk and orange zest on low speed until just combined.
Add the pumpkin puree and beat until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the 2 prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer the cake layers to a rack to cool, about 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans, invert and peel off the parchment paper. Let the cakes cool completely on the rack, about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the frosting. Using a standing mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the cream cheese and cream on medium speed until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes.
On low speed, gradually beat in the remaining 1 1/2 cups brown sugar and the vanilla until stiff peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the cake: halve each cake layer horizontally with a serrated knife. Place 1 cake layer on a platter. Spread the whipped cream frosting on top about 1/4 inch thick; sprinkle with about 1/2 cup crushed pecan praline. Repeat with three more layers, saving enough frosting for the cake sides and reserving the last layer of praline. Spread the remaining frosting evenly on the sides of the cake and sprinkle the reserved pecan praline on top. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.

Makes 1 cake.

*Inspired by Tyler Florence, I decided to make a three-layer, long, rectangular cake.

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Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake

partysugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:15:06 -0700

Ever since I spoke to Pat and Gina Neely, I've wanted to make their famous strawberry shortcut cake. Last weekend, I finally got around to making this divinely delicious dessert that combines vanilla cake with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and strawberry gelatin.

Gina's recipe uses a store-bought cake mix, but I had extra time so I made a vanilla cake from scratch. Thanks to the strawberry jello, the cake is super moist and insanely luscious. If you need a Spring dessert to feed a crowd, I highly recommend this cake. To check out the recipe, read more.

Strawberry Shortcake
Modified from Gina Neely and Martha Stewart

Ingredients

For cake
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup large egg whites, about 8, room temperature
1/2 cups milk, room temperature
For topping:
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons cognac
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream*
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (3-ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin (recommended: Jell-O)
Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Make cake: preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch cake pan; line bottom with parchment paper. Sift together flours and baking powder; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla, beating until combined.
With mixer on low speed, gradually add egg whites, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Add reserved flour mixture in 2 parts, alternating with the milk, and scraping down sides of bowl between each addition.
Mix until combined. Increase speed to medium-high for 20 seconds. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine strawberries, cognac and sugar. Let macerate 20 minutes. Invert and release cake onto a decorative platter.
Whip cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla at medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks. Do not over whip.
Mix gelatin as directed on box. Refrigerate gelatin mix but do not let it harden, it should cool to a liquid consistency.
Using a straw, poke holes all over the cake. Pour gelatin into holes and spread over the top of the cake.

Spread layer of macerated strawberries on top of cake. Spread layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, making pretty swirls and ripples. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Serves 10-12.

*I found that 1 cup of whipped cream was NOT enough to cover the entire cake. In the future I will double the amount of whipped cream and confectioners' sugar to ensure that all sides of the cake are covered in whipped cream.

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52 Weeks of Baking: Informal Croquembouche (Cream Puffs)

YumSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:13:33 -0800

There are only a few weeks left in my 52 weeks of baking resolution, so I'm trying to find things on my "I can't believe I haven't made these before" list. Cream puffs were near the top of that list, but after last night, I'm officially able to cross them off.

I found a pastry recipe that looked simple and yielded a large haul of puffs. However, instead of a traditional custard cream - there wasn't enough time to let it set - I went with a whipped cream filling and a chocolate glaze. While mine isn't quite a traditional French Croquembouche - aka stacked cream puffs coated with caramel - it does work as a modern twist. To get the recipe that I put together on a weeknight just read more

Informal Croquembouche

Pâte à Chou (Cream Puff Pastry)
From Gourmet, December 1994

1 1/4 cups water
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
4 to 6 large eggs

In a heavy saucepan bring water to a boil with butter and salt over high heat.
Reduce heat to moderate. Add flour all at once and beat with a wooden spoon until mixture pulls away from sides of pan, forming a dough.
Transfer dough to bowl of a standing electric mixer and beat in 4 eggs, 1 at a time, on high speed, beating well after each addition. Batter should be stiff enough to just hold soft peaks and fall softly from a spoon. If batter is too stiff, in a small bowl beat remaining 2 eggs lightly, 1 at a time, and add to batter, a little at a time, beating on high speed, until batter is desired consistency.
Preheat oven to 425°F. and butter and flour 2 baking sheets.
Spoon pâte à chou into a large pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip and pipe about 55 mounds onto baking sheets, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, leaving 1 1/2 inches between mounds.
With a finger dipped in water gently smooth pointed tip of each mound to round puffs.
Bake puffs in upper third of oven 10 minutes, switching position of sheets in oven halfway through baking if necessary. Reduce temperature to 400°F. and bake puffs 20 minutes more, or until puffed and golden.
Let puffs stand in turned-off oven 30 minutes. Transfer puffs to racks to cool.
With a skewer poke a 1/4-inch hole in bottom of each puff.
Puffs may be made 2 days ahead and kept in an airtight container. Recrisp puffs in 400°F. oven 5 minutes and cool before filling.

Whipped Cream Filling

2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Whip cream until frothy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Whip until stiff peaks can be formed.

Chocolate Glaze

6 oz semisweet chocolate cut into pieces (or chocolate chips)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter

Place the chocolate in a medium sized stainless steel bowl and set aside.
In a medium sized saucepan heat the cream and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
Pour boiling cream over the chocolate and let stand for five minutes.
Stir with a whisk until smooth.
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or clove if desired.

To Assemble

While cream puffs are cooling, make whipped filling. Transfer filling to a large pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain top and barely fill each puff (do not overfill).
Using toothpicks or skewers stack cream puffs into a cone shape.
Make glaze. Drizzle glaze on top of stacked cream puffs.

Alternatively, you can just dip each cream puff into the glaze and serve individually.

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Delightful Irish Whiskey

partysugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:58:22 -0700

The other day I featured a super decadent dessert recipe in the form of a Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. I know it was incredibly mean for me to tease you by discussing a super delish cake, so today I am making up for it by giving you another St. Patrick's Day dessert that is quite a bit healthier. Keeping in mind that a healthy dessert is an oxymoron and essentially only exists in the form of plain fruit, this recipe called a cream delight gets its sweetness from honey. While the cheesecake highlighted Bailey's irish cream, this delightful dish highlights the flavor of good old Irish whiskey. For a peek at the recipe, read more

Cream Delight with Whiskey
From Ireland Information

3/4 cup of raw oatmeal
1/2 cup of sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups of whipping cream
5 tablespoons of honey (for sweetness)
4 tablespoons Irish whiskey
1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Combine the oatmeal and almonds in a bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the nut/oatmeal mixture on it. Toast for 5 to 10 minutes, mixing repeatedly. Do not let the mixture burn.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and stir in the honey.
Mix in the whiskey, oats, almonds and lemon juice. Mix well and then pour the mixture into long serving glasses.
Chill and then serve cold.

Serves 6.

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Smooth and Scrumptious Coconut Cream Bars

partysugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:18:31 -0700

Cream pies are one of my favorite types of desserts. Refreshingly cool, with a smooth filling, and pillows of whipped cream, they are absolutely delicious. This recipe takes the classic cream pie and turns it into a more portable bar. The best thing about these coconut cream bars is that no pastry dough is needed. The crust is a mixture of shortbread cookies and coconut, while the filling is a coconut custard, and the topping is sweet whipped cream. Doesn't it sound divine? Wait until you read the recipe! Do so now when you read more.

Coconut Cream Bars
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
3 boxes (5.3 ounces each) shortbread cookies, coarsely broken
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups whole milk
6 large egg yolks
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread coconut in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring once or twice, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool completely. Leave oven on.
Process cookies and 1/2 cup coconut in a food processor until finely ground and mixture begins to clump together, about 2 minutes.
Transfer mixture to a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet; press into an even layer on bottom. Bake until golden and firm to the touch, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on sheet on a wire rack.
Whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large saucepan. Whisk in milk and egg yolks.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a boil, 5 to 6 minutes. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes more.
Remove from heat. Add butter, whisking until combined. Stir in 1 1/2 cups coconut.
Spoon the custard onto cooled crust; smooth top with an offset spatula. Press plastic wrap directly onto custard surface, to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.
Beat cream and confectioners' sugar in a large chilled stainless-steel bowl until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Cut custard-filled crust into 24 bars (each about 3 by 1 1/2 inches). Transfer to a platter. Spoon whipped cream into a pastry bag fitted with a medium star tip. Beginning at one corner, pipe a zigzag pattern over each bar. Sprinkle bars with remaining 1/2 cup coconut.

Makes 2 dozen.

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On Thanksgiving, Nothing Beats Classic Pumpkin Pie

partysugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:30:43 -0800

As much as I love experimenting with alternative pumpkin desserts like pumpkin layer cake and mini baklava pumpkin tarts, sometimes nothing is better than the beloved standby, classic pumpkin pie. This year I tried out an old-fashioned style recipe.

The delicious crust is flaked with pecans, and the filling is a mixture of pumpkin puree, molasses, and sour cream. The resulting pie is silky with a rich pumpkin flavor that's not too sweet. Rum-spiked whipped cream is an ideal and necessary topping that takes this pie over the edge. To take a look at the recipe, read more.

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie With Pecan Pastry Crust
From The New Thanksgiving Table

Ingredients

For the crust:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely ground
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) ice-cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup ice-cold solid vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons ice water
For filling:
3 1/2 cups or 2 cans (15 ounces each) unsweetened pumpkin puree
7 large eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup unsulfured molasses
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cups sour cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons milk
sugar for sprinkling
For topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons dark rum or one tablespoon pure maple syrup

Directions

Make the crust: Combine the 2 1/4 cups flour, the pecans, salt, and granulated sugar in a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Scatter the butter and shortening pieces over the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the sour cream and water and process for a few seconds, just until the dough begins to form. Do not over process. (To make the dough by hand, place the dry ingredients in a large bowl, and use a pastry blender or 2 knives to cut the butter and shortening into the flour mixture. Add the sour cream and ice water, and mix just until the dough comes together and forms a mass.)
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface, gathering all the loose bits, and form into a disk about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 2 pieces, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Have 2 9-inch pie pans ready. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out 1 piece of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Dust the work surface and dough with a little more flour, as necessary, to keep the dough from sticking. Roll the dough around the rolling pin, lift it over the pie pan, and unroll the dough over the pan. Adjust to center the dough, then press it into place, Trim the excess dough by running a knife around the edge of the pan. Repeat with the second piece of dough. Refrigerate the pie crusts while you make the filling.
To make the filling: in a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, egss, molasses, granulated sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Blend in the sour cream and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and no white streaks are visible. Set aside.
To assemble the pies, divide the pumpkin filling between the chilled pie shells. Use a pastry brush to brush milk on the edges of the pastry. Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake the pies for about 40 minutes until the filling just begins to puff at the edges and the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken. Turn off the oven and leave the pies, undisturbed, in the oven with the door ajar for 20 minutes. Transfer the pies to wire racks and let cool completely.
Meanwhile make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the cream, confectioners' sugar, and rum. Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Slice the pies into wedges, top with whipped cream and serve.

Makes two 9-inch pies.

Make ahead: The pie dough can be made, wrapped tightly, and frozen up to 3 weeks in advance. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it out. The filling can be made up to 1 day in advance. Place in a covered container and refrigerate. The whipped cream can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The pie is best when baked the day you are planning to serve it.

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