English clotted cream is a rich and indulgent dairy product that has been a staple in British cuisine for centuries. This luxurious cream is made by heating milk and then cooling it slowly, allowing the cream to rise to the surface and form a crust, or “clot.” The resulting product is a thick, velvety cream with a rich, buttery flavor that is perfect for a variety of sweet and savory applications.
A Brief History of English Clotted Cream
English clotted cream has a long and storied history that dates back to the 16th century. The cream was originally made by farmers in the West Country, particularly in Devon and Cornwall, as a way to preserve milk. The cream was heated and then cooled slowly, allowing it to thicken and form a crust. This process not only preserved the milk but also created a delicious and luxurious product that was highly prized by the wealthy.
Over time, English clotted cream became a staple in British cuisine, particularly in the West Country where it was served at tea time with scones and jam. The cream was also used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including desserts, sauces, and soups.
Culinary Uses of English Clotted Cream
English clotted cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of the most popular uses of English clotted cream:
Desserts
English clotted cream is a popular ingredient in desserts, particularly in traditional British sweets like trifle and syllabub. The cream is also used to make delicious desserts like crème brûlée and cheesecake.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy English clotted cream is with scones and jam. The cream is spread on top of warm scones and served with a variety of jams, including strawberry and raspberry.
Recipe: English Clotted Cream Scones with Jam
Ingredients:
- 1 cup English clotted cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Jam, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and heavy cream.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
- Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
- Serve warm with English clotted cream and jam.
Savory Dishes
English clotted cream is also used in a variety of savory dishes, including soups, sauces, and dips. The cream is a popular ingredient in soups like creamy tomato soup and broccoli soup.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy English clotted cream is in a traditional British dish called “clotted cream and chive mashed potatoes.” The cream is added to mashed potatoes along with chives and butter for a delicious and indulgent side dish.
Recipe: Clotted Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons English clotted cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, English clotted cream, butter, and chives.
- Mix until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Health Benefits of English Clotted Cream
English clotted cream is a rich and indulgent dairy product that is high in calories and fat. However, the cream is also a good source of several important nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D.
One of the main health benefits of English clotted cream is its high protein content. The cream contains about 3 grams of protein per tablespoon, making it a great ingredient for athletes and bodybuilders.
English clotted cream is also a good source of calcium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. The cream contains about 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium per tablespoon.
How to Make English Clotted Cream at Home
While English clotted cream is widely available in stores, it’s also possible to make it at home. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade English clotted cream:
Ingredients:
- 1 quart heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°F (80°C).
- In a large bowl, combine heavy cream and whole milk.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the dish in the oven and heat for 8-10 hours, or until the cream has thickened and formed a crust.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cream is chilled and set.
- Scoop the clotted cream into a bowl and serve.
Conclusion
English clotted cream is a rich and indulgent dairy product that has been a staple in British cuisine for centuries. The cream is made by heating milk and then cooling it slowly, allowing it to thicken and form a crust. English clotted cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including desserts, soups, and sauces. The cream is also a good source of several important nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a delicious dessert or add a rich and creamy element to a savory dish, English clotted cream is a great choice.
What is English Clotted Cream and how is it made?
English Clotted Cream is a rich and thick dairy product originating from the West Country in England. It is made by heating milk and then cooling it slowly, allowing the cream to rise to the surface and form a crust, or “clot.” This process is typically done by hand, giving the cream its distinctive texture and flavor.
The traditional method of making English Clotted Cream involves pouring milk into shallow pans and heating it gently. The milk is then cooled slowly, either by leaving it overnight or by using a special cooling system. As the milk cools, the cream rises to the surface and forms a thick, creamy crust. This crust is then removed and packaged as English Clotted Cream.
What is the difference between English Clotted Cream and whipped cream?
English Clotted Cream and whipped cream are two distinct dairy products with different textures and flavors. Whipped cream is made by whipping heavy cream until it becomes light and fluffy, whereas English Clotted Cream is made by heating and cooling milk to create a thick, creamy crust. English Clotted Cream has a richer, more buttery flavor than whipped cream, and a thicker, more luxurious texture.
In terms of usage, English Clotted Cream is often used as a topping for scones, cakes, and other sweet treats, while whipped cream is often used as a topping for desserts like pies and hot chocolate. English Clotted Cream is also a popular ingredient in savory dishes, such as soups and sauces, due to its rich, creamy flavor.
What are some traditional uses of English Clotted Cream?
English Clotted Cream has been a staple of West Country cuisine for centuries, and is often used in traditional dishes such as cream teas and jam roly-polys. It is also a popular topping for scones, cakes, and other sweet treats. In addition to its use in sweet dishes, English Clotted Cream is also used in savory dishes, such as soups and sauces, due to its rich, creamy flavor.
One of the most traditional uses of English Clotted Cream is in a classic cream tea, which typically consists of scones, jam, and clotted cream, served with a pot of tea. This is a popular treat in the West Country, and is often served at social gatherings and special occasions.
Can English Clotted Cream be used in cooking and baking?
Yes, English Clotted Cream can be used in a variety of cooking and baking applications. Its rich, creamy flavor makes it a popular ingredient in soups, sauces, and baked goods. English Clotted Cream can be used to add moisture and flavor to cakes, scones, and other sweet treats, and can also be used as a topping for desserts like pies and tarts.
In savory dishes, English Clotted Cream can be used to add richness and depth to soups, sauces, and casseroles. It is particularly well-suited to dishes that feature ingredients like seafood, poultry, and vegetables, and can be used to add a luxurious touch to special occasion meals.
Is English Clotted Cream a healthy food option?
English Clotted Cream is a rich and calorie-dense food, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is high in saturated fat and calories, but is also a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. English Clotted Cream is also relatively low in lactose, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance.
Despite its rich flavor and texture, English Clotted Cream can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It is a good idea to balance English Clotted Cream with other, lower-calorie foods, and to choose lower-fat options when possible. English Clotted Cream can also be used as an ingredient in healthier recipes, such as fruit parfaits and smoothies.
Can English Clotted Cream be made at home?
Yes, English Clotted Cream can be made at home, although it does require some patience and effort. The traditional method of making English Clotted Cream involves heating milk and then cooling it slowly, allowing the cream to rise to the surface and form a crust. This process can be replicated at home using a saucepan and a cooling system, such as a cold water bath.
To make English Clotted Cream at home, start by heating milk in a saucepan over low heat. Once the milk has reached a temperature of around 86°F (30°C), remove it from the heat and let it cool slowly. As the milk cools, the cream will rise to the surface and form a crust. This crust can then be removed and packaged as English Clotted Cream.
How should English Clotted Cream be stored and handled?
English Clotted Cream is a perishable product and should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of around 40°F (4°C). It should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and should be consumed within a few days of opening. English Clotted Cream can also be frozen for later use, although this may affect its texture and flavor.
When handling English Clotted Cream, it is a good idea to use a clean spoon or spatula to scoop out the desired amount. This will help to prevent contamination and spoilage. English Clotted Cream should also be kept away from strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors easily.