Ultimate Guide To Double Cream: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to enriching culinary creations, double cream stands out for its luxurious texture and profound flavor. Whether you're whipping up a decadent dessert, enhancing a sauce, or looking to elevate a savory dish, understanding what double cream is and how to use it can transform your cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Here’s your comprehensive guide to double cream:

What is Double Cream? 🥛

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Double cream is a very rich dairy product, boasting about 48% butterfat content. This high fat concentration makes it ideal for:

• Whipping: Double cream holds its shape well when whipped, creating stiff peaks that are perfect for cakes, pies, and mousses.
• Cooking: Its high fat content means it can be boiled without curdling, which is useful for making creamy sauces and soups.
• Stability: It remains stable under high heat, which is why it’s often used in culinary applications that require cooking.

How is Double Cream Made?

Double cream is derived from the top layer of milk where the fat rises due to its lower density. This cream is skimmed off:

• Centrifugation: Milk is spun in a centrifuge, separating the cream from the milk.
• Cold Storage: Traditionally, milk was left to sit so the cream could naturally rise to the top, then skimmed off.

Nutritional Profile 📊

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Here's a look at the nutritional content in a tablespoon (15ml) of double cream:

• Calories: Around 85
• Total Fat: 8.4g
• Saturated Fat: 5.4g
• Cholesterol: 33mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Potassium: 10mg
• Carbohydrates: 0.8g
• Sugar: 0.4g
• Protein: 0.4g

<p class="pro-note">🚨 Note: Double cream's high fat content makes it a high-calorie food. Enjoy in moderation!</p>

Culinary Uses of Double Cream 🍰

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In Desserts

• Whipped: For desserts like Pavlova, Eton Mess, or to top trifles and chocolate mousse.
• Custards: Enhance the richness of custards, panna cotta, or creme brûlée.
• Frostings: Use it in cake icings for a smooth, rich texture.

Savory Applications

• Sauces: Incorporate into Alfredo or any cream-based sauce for depth of flavor.
• Soups: Enrich bisques, veloutés, or any creamy soup.
• Potatoes: For an ultra-rich potato gratin or mashed potatoes.

Other Uses

• Coffee: A splash can make a luxurious coffee or hot chocolate.
• Breakfast: Add to oatmeal or yogurt for a rich start to your day.

How to Choose and Store Double Cream 🌡️

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• Choosing: Look for cream with no additives or preservatives for the best quality. Freshness is key.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated at or below 4°C (39°F). Use within a week of opening to maintain flavor and safety.

<p class="pro-note">📅 Note: Double cream has a shelf life of about 10 days from purchase. Always check the expiration date before buying.</p>

Whipping Tips 🌬️

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• Chill: Both the cream and your tools should be chilled to achieve the best volume.
• Speed: Start with a slow speed to avoid splattering, then increase.
• Avoid Overbeating: You want stiff peaks, not butter. Keep an eye on the consistency.

Troubleshooting

• Doesn't Whip: The cream might be too warm or not fresh enough.
• Lumpy: The cream might have been overwhipped; gently fold in more cream to adjust.

Health and Dietary Considerations 🥗

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• High in Saturated Fat: Regular consumption can impact heart health due to its high saturated fat content.
• Alternatives: For those on restricted diets, consider using heavy cream (which has slightly less fat) or plant-based cream alternatives.

Recipes to Try with Double Cream 📖

Here are some dishes where double cream can shine:

• Double Cream Lemon Mousse: Light yet creamy, this mousse is a delight.
• Luxurious White Sauce: Perfect for lasagna, chicken, or seafood dishes.
• Creamy Parmesan Polenta: A smooth and rich side dish that complements almost any main.

Double Cream Lemon Mousse Recipe

- **Ingredients**: Double cream, sugar, lemon juice, zest, gelatin.
- **Steps**: Heat lemon juice with zest and gelatin, cool, then whisk into whipped cream. Chill until set.

Luxurious White Sauce

- **Ingredients**: Butter, flour, double cream, milk, nutmeg, salt, pepper.
- **Steps**: Create a roux with butter and flour, slowly whisk in cream and milk, season, and cook until thickened.

The beauty of double cream lies in its versatility. From baking to cooking, its rich texture enhances flavor profiles in countless ways.

With a better understanding of double cream, you can now confidently incorporate this luxurious ingredient into your cooking and baking. Remember, the key is moderation due to its high caloric and fat content. However, when used thoughtfully, double cream can be the secret to elevating your dishes to gourmet levels.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the difference between double cream and heavy cream?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Double cream has a higher butterfat content, typically around 48%, compared to heavy cream's 36-40%. This makes double cream richer and more stable when whipped or cooked.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can double cream be frozen?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Double cream can be frozen, but its texture might change upon thawing, becoming grainy. It's best used for cooking or baking after freezing rather than for whipping.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a vegan alternative to double cream?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, there are vegan double cream substitutes made from plant-based ingredients like coconut or almond milk, which can replicate the thickness and richness of double cream to a degree.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>