Crème fraîche
Sauces and Condiments

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Crème fraîche is pronounced "krem fresh." It is a thick and smooth heavy cream with a wonderfully rich and velvety texture. Creme Fraiche is widely used in France, where the cream is unpasteurized and contains the "friendly" bacteria necessary to thicken it naturally. Since creme fraiche doesn't curdle when boiled, it's the ideal thickener for many sauces and soups. Vegetables (particularly potatoes) benefit from a dollop of it. It's also delicious on fresh fruit, cakes, cobblers, and puddings.

Commercial creme fraiche is quite expensive, so the homemade version is a life saver.

Check out Linda's Butters, Condiments, Sauces, Relish & Jelly Recipes for more great ideas.

Crème fraîche

1 cup whipping cream, room temperature
1 tablespoon buttermilk or 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature

In a jar with a lid, place whipping cream and buttermilk (or sour cream); cover securely and shake 15 seconds. Set aside at room temperature for 24 hours or until very thick. Stir once or twice during that time. NOTE: Cream will thicken faster if the room is warm.

Stir thickened creme fraiche well. Refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving. Cover tightly and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Variations:

Whipped Creme Fraiche:  Beat creme fraiche until soft peaks form (it won't become stiff).

Sweetened Creme Fraiche:  Add 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered (confectioners) sugar before shaking the cream.

Vanilla-flavored Creme Fraiche:  Stir 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract into creme fraiche just before refrigerating.