Vanilla cream

Vanilla Cream – A Classic Delicacy for Desserts

In a culinary world filled with sophisticated options, vanilla cream remains an undisputed favorite. This simple yet elegant recipe can serve as a base for cakes, pastries, or can simply be enjoyed with a splash of fresh fruit. Its history is lost in the mists of time, but each bite speaks of refinement and comfort. Let’s discover together how to achieve this perfect cream, step by step.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- ½ cup (approximately 100g) of sugar
- 4 egg yolks (preferably from fresh eggs)
- 2 cups (approximately 500 ml) of milk (whole or semi-skimmed, based on preference)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or half a vanilla pod)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cubed

Detailed instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure that the egg yolks are at room temperature for easier incorporation into the mixture. If you have a hand mixer, it will be very useful for achieving a smooth texture.

2. Mixing the flour: In a medium bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of flour with the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and half of the sugar. The cornstarch will contribute to the cream’s creaminess, giving it a velvety texture.

3. Beating the yolks: In another bowl, lightly beat the 4 yolks with a quarter of the milk (approximately 125 ml). This will help temper the yolks and prevent them from curdling when added to the warm mixture.

4. Preparing the milk: In a saucepan, pour the remaining milk (approximately 375 ml) and add the vanilla sugar (or the split vanilla pod for extra flavor). Heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to simmer gently.

5. Combining the ingredients: Once the milk has started to simmer, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the flour and yolk mixture to the milk, stirring constantly. This step is crucial! Keep stirring to prevent lumps from forming.

6. Thickening the cream: The cream will begin to thicken after a few minutes of cooking. Continue stirring until it reaches the desired consistency, similar to that of a pudding. This is the moment when you can control the cream's density.

7. Adding the butter: Once the cream has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the 2 tablespoons of cubed butter. Stir well to allow the butter to melt completely and integrate into the cream.

8. Cooling the cream: Transfer the cream to a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cream, so that a skin does not form. Let it cool to room temperature, then you can refrigerate it to cool completely.

Practical tips:

- If the cream becomes too thick, you can add a little warm milk, stirring well. If the cream is too runny, mix a little cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk and add it to the hot cream, continuing to stir until it thickens.
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as natural vanilla, to give an intense and authentic flavor.
- You can add additional flavors, such as cinnamon or lemon zest, to customize the cream to your taste.

Nutritional values (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 210 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g

Serving suggestions:

- Use vanilla cream as a filling for cakes or pastries, adding fruit or caramel sauce on top for a delicious contrast.
- It can be served with cookies or as a base for a parfait with fresh fruits and granola.
- Give it an extra touch of elegance with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a few toasted nuts on top.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I keep the cream fresh?
- Vanilla cream can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days.

2. Can I freeze vanilla cream?
- It is not recommended to freeze vanilla cream, as the texture may change. It is better to prepare it fresh.

3. What other desserts can I use this cream for?
- You can use vanilla cream in combination with cakes, ice cream, or even as a filling for pancakes.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it’s time to start cooking! Vanilla cream is a simple yet extremely versatile recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process, as each bite will be worth the effort!

 Ingredients: 3 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons cornstarch half a cup (tea) sugar 4 egg yolks 2 cups (tea) milk 1 vanilla sugar 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

 Tags:  vanilla cream