The Freshman Cook: July 2010

There is nothing quite like homemade whipped cream. I’ll never forget the first time I had REAL whipped cream! Such a delectable concoction, I never knew existed. Where had it been all my life? This was no cool whip!!! I was hooked! I had to know how to make this incredible confection!!! So I learned, and I could not believe how easy it is. Here’s what you need: Heavy Duty Whipping Cream ~ 1 cup Pure Cane Sugar ~ 1/2 cup Vanilla (optional) ~ 1 teaspoon Pour one cup of heavy duty whipped cream in a cold bowl. Just put the bowl in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour before you are ready to use. Start Mixing on medium high. This can be done with a hand mixer, it’s just that your hand will get tired!! As you mix, pour 1/2 cup of sugar into the bowl in a steady stream. Remember, we discussed what a steady stream is in a previous post. Basically just pour the sugar in an even stream until it is all in the bowl. You may have to turn your mixer up to high, depending on your mixer. Keep the mixer going until the cream develops into stiff peaks. If you want to add some flavoring, such as vanilla, pour one teaspoon into the mixer now. Make sure to use clear vanilla if you want your whipped cream to be pure white. If it doesn’t matter, use any flavoring you want. Some suggestions include lemon or almond. Use your imagination. There is no wrong flavor.
This is what your whipped cream should look like when it is done. It doesn’t last long, so don’t leave it alone. Now put your whipped cream on berries, cake, cookies, anything, or eat it with a spoon. You will love it! This is a simple thing to make, that makes a huge difference in your finished product. Enjoy!