Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
Special Equipment Needed:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Serving dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the mixing bowl while whisking constantly.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until it thickens and starts to boil.
5. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic wrap touches the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
8. Fold the whipped cream into the chilled mixture until well combined.
9. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be used instead of 2% milk.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a lemon flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the whipped cream to prevent deflating.
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Not applicable, as this is a no-bake recipe.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve in individual dessert cups or in a large serving dish with fresh berries on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh berries, mint leaves, or grated chocolate.
Pairings:
Coffee or tea.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Not applicable, as this is a dessert.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the mixture is too thin, return it to the saucepan and cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until it thickens.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella.
- Refrigerate the mixture promptly after cooking and before adding the whipped cream.
Food History:
Crema Pasticciera is a traditional Italian pastry cream used in many desserts, such as cannoli, cream puffs, and tarts.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, creamy, and vanilla.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve chilled as a dessert or use as a filling for pastries.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian