Creme Fraiche (fresh 'fake' sour cream)

 Ingredients: For 100 g of sour cream, 100 ml of unsweetened whipping cream (unbeaten cream), 2 tablespoons of buttermilk (yogurt), 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar, simple with 5% acidity or lemon juice.

To prepare a delicious and versatile sour cream, we start by gathering the necessary ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, we pour in the cream milk, which should have a considerable fat content, as this will influence the final texture of the sour cream. We then add buttermilk, an essential ingredient that will provide a pleasant taste and subtle acidity, and vinegar, which will aid in the fermentation process. It is important to homogenize the mixture well, ensuring that the vinegar is evenly distributed so that we obtain a smooth and creamy sour cream.

After mixing all the ingredients well, we cover the bowl with plastic wrap, making sure it is airtight to prevent air from entering. Then, we place the bowl in the refrigerator, where it will sit overnight. This waiting time is crucial, as it allows the ingredients to combine and ferment, resulting in a fluid, sweet sour cream that is perfect for various uses in the kitchen.

The next day, when we open the refrigerator, we will notice that the mixture has thickened and developed a pleasant aroma. This sour cream can be successfully used to enhance sauces, gratin various dishes, or even as a base for dressings. It is an extremely versatile ingredient that can transform an ordinary recipe into a refined meal.

It is important to mention that the type of vinegar we use can influence the final result. For example, if you use a vinegar with 9% acidity, as is most commonly found in Romania, you will need to adjust the amount, using slightly less than specified in the recipe. Instead of vinegar, you can also opt for lemon juice, which will add a note of freshness to the sour cream. Additionally, an excellent alternative to buttermilk is yogurt, which will provide a similar texture but with slightly different acidity.

This recipe is essentially very flexible, easily adapting to the tastes and ingredients you have on hand. If you opt for the yogurt version, it is good to know that the sour cream will require a few extra hours to reach the desired consistency. Thus, whether you use it to enrich a sauce or as a main ingredient in baked dishes, the sour cream you prepare at home will always bring a touch of authenticity and flavor to your dishes. Experiment with different combinations and discover what works best for you!

 Tags:  milk sour cream lemon gluten-free recipes vegetarian recipes