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If you follow us over on Instagram (and I hope you do!) then you probably saw a sneak peek of a recipe we’ll be sharing with you later this week for Roasted Strawberry Crème Fraîche Ice Cream.
In preparation for that recipe, today and tomorrow we are sharing very easy recipes for two of the ingredients that go into making that incredible ice cream!
First up today is homemade Crème Fraîche. Crème fraîche (pronounced ‘krem fresh’ ) is a thick heavy cream that is used in many French recipes, and it is wonderful served over fresh fruit as well as to thicken sauces since it does not curdle when heated.
Crème fraîche is similar in taste and texture to sour cream – but with less tang and more rich, creamy complexity.
If you’ve ever purchased crème fraîche at the supermarket, then you already know how pricy it can be! But thankfully, it’s easy to make crème fraiche at home.
The key is to try to find heavy cream that is not ultra-pasteurized. Here in Massachusetts where we live, most cream and milk found in the supermarket is ultra-pasteurized but we have been able to find just ‘pasteurized’ heavy cream sold at Whole Foods Market. (You might also find it at a local dairy farm that sells heavy cream.)
You’ll mix the heavy cream with either sour cream or buttermilk (we list both options below in the recipe) in a clean jar. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and allow the jar to sit unrefrigerated for 8 to 24 hours – or until thickened. Stir again and refrigerate the crème fraîche before using.
P.S. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for a delicious Roasted Strawberries recipe. And on Wednesday, we’ll put them together with today’s recipe to make that incredible Roasted Strawberry Crème Fraîche Ice Cream!
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Crème Fraîche
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream (try to find cream that is not ultra-pasteurized)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or 2 tablespoons buttermilk)
Instructions
- In a clean jar, combine heavy cream and sour cream. Stir to mix.
- Cover the jar lightly with plastic wrap and let sit unrefrigerated for 8-24 hours. (Ideally you want a location that is between 65 and 75 degrees F so the cultures will grow and the cream will thicken. If your room is cool, the process will take closer to 24 hours.)
- Stir again and refrigerate before using.
- Store covered for up to 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
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Roasted Strawberry Crème Fraîche Ice Cream
Crème fraîche is super popular in Germany. I was a little disappointed when I couldn’t find it on the shelves in US supermarkets! This is a great recipe – I didn’t know it was so easy to make it yourself!!
I’ve recently made my own ghee, and mayonnaise. Now I need to make creme fraiche. Thanks for the recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
Absolutely love creme fraiche over fresh fruit! It’s the perfect summer dessert.
Making Crème fraîche seems pretty easy! Can’t wait for the ice cream recipe!
I never realized how easy it was to make creme fraiche! And that ice cream – that needs to go straight onto my “must make” list.
I adore creme fraiche – and just looking at that ice cream is driving me crazy, I can’t wait to see the recipe!
I’m obsessed with crème fraîche and I love your simple recipe. What a fun week and can’t wait to see the final result: gorgeous and rich ice-cream!! (i’m going to make sure I’m following you now on IG!!)
Wow… this is great, and so needed to know how to make it! Great Recipe 🙂
Huh. I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to go about making creme fraiche. Thank you. This was educational. 🙂
How interesting! I never would have thought to make my own! Great recipe, thanks!