Category: Dairy
Cream is a dairy product that is made by skimming the fatty layer off the top of fresh milk. It is a thick, rich, and smooth liquid that has a high fat content, typically around 30-40%. Cream can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, such as desserts, sauces, soups, and coffee. It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to dishes and is often whipped to create a light and fluffy topping. Cream comes in different varieties, including heavy cream, light cream, and half-and-half, each with varying fat content.
Flavor Profiles:
- Rich
- Creamy
- Slightly Sweet
- Smooth
What goes with Cream:
- Chocolate – Chocolate pairs well with cream because the rich, smooth texture of the cream complements the decadent sweetness of the chocolate.
- Sugar – Sugar pairs well with cream because the sweetness of the sugar complements the richness and creaminess of the cream.
- Honey –
- Garlic – Garlic pairs well with cream because the sharp, pungent flavor of the garlic complements the rich, creamy texture of the cream.
- Butter – Butter pairs well with cream because they both have rich, creamy textures that complement each other perfectly.
- Pasta – The cream can coat the pasta and provide a rich, creamy sauce. Common dishes include fettuccine alfredo and creamy pesto pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese pairs well with cream because the sharp, salty flavor of the cheese complements the rich, creamy texture of the cream.
- Potatoes – Mashed or roasted potatoes can be topped with cream for a rich, decadent side dish. Cream can also be used in making scalloped potatoes or potato gratin.
- Bread – Cream can be used in making bread, such as brioche or challah, to create a rich, buttery flavor. It can also be used in making cream soups and stews.
- Vegetables – Cream can be used to make a rich, creamy sauce for vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. It can also be used in vegetable soups and gratins.
- Seafood – Cream can be used to make a rich, decadent sauce for seafood dishes such as shrimp scampi or crab cakes. It can also be used in seafood chowders and bisques.
- Salt – Salt pairs well with cream because it enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness.
- Pepper – Pepper pairs well with cream because the spiciness of the pepper complements the richness of the cream, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
- Fruit – Cream can be used as a topping for fresh fruit or used in making fruit-based desserts such as fruit tarts or fruit cobblers.
- Balsamic Glaze – The sweet and tangy reduction of balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor that complements the cream’s smooth and mild taste
- Smoked Salmon – The salty and smoky flavors of smoked salmon contrast and cut through the cream’s richness, creating a delicious and sophisticated pairing
- Berries – Berries pair well with cream because the tartness of the berries complements the richness of the cream.
- Coffee – Coffee pairs well with cream because the richness and creaminess of the cream complements the bold and bitter flavors of the coffee.