To make whipped cream with extra thick double cream, the key is to use cold cream and whip it slowly and steadily until stiff peaks form.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Chill Everything: Place your bowl (preferably metal or glass) and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before starting. This helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape longer. Cold temperatures are crucial when working with double cream, which is already quite thick.
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Pour the Cream: Pour the cold extra thick double cream into your chilled bowl. Make sure you're using whipping or double cream, not single cream.
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Whip Slowly: Using an electric whisk (handheld or stand mixer), begin whipping the cream on a medium speed. Avoid starting on a high speed, as this can cause the cream to separate too quickly, resulting in a grainy texture, especially with already thick double cream.
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Watch Carefully: Keep a close eye on the cream as you whip. Initially, it will be liquid, then become frothy, and finally start to thicken.
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Check for Stiff Peaks: Continue whipping until the cream forms stiff peaks. To check, stop the whisk and lift it from the cream. If the peak stands up straight or curls only slightly at the tip, it's ready. Be very careful not to overwhip, as this will turn the cream into butter. With extra thick double cream, this can happen very quickly.
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Stop Whisking: As soon as stiff peaks form, stop whisking immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Avoid Overwhipping: This is the most important thing to remember. Overwhipped cream becomes grainy and ultimately turns into butter.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavorings (Optional): If desired, add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, or other flavorings after the cream has started to thicken but before it reaches stiff peaks. This helps incorporate them evenly. A tablespoon or two of powdered sugar per cup of cream is usually sufficient.
- Use Immediately: Whipped cream is best used immediately. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. To help it maintain its shape, you can stabilize it by adding a small amount of gelatin before whipping (follow gelatin package instructions).
By following these steps, you can easily create delicious, thick whipped cream using extra thick double cream.
