It's interesting to me how in one family we can have two different standard ways to make whipping cream. Never put that together until last Thanksgiving when I discovered that my nephew learned from my sister who made hers differently than I did and we both learned from our mother. Yet, essentially it boils down to one thing. Whipping cream + (some form of sugar) + (some flavoring) = dessert topping!
Ingredients:
For our standard family recipes to make two cups of whipped cream:
1 cup whipping cream or heavy whipping cream (whipping process doubles the cream)
1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, powdered sugar, superfine sugar
1 tsp vanilla flavoring
Method:
1. Place bowl and beaters in freezer and leave until chilled.
2. Pour whipping cream into chilled bowl and mix on low for 20-30 seconds until bubbles form.
3. Turn mixer to medium and mix until the cream thickens and a light trail is left in the cream.
4. Turn mixer to high and beat until the cream forms soft peaks when the beaters are pulled from the liquid. Stop and add sugar and flavoring.
5. Continue beating until the cream forms soft, firm peaks (if you want to fold into something else) or stiff peaks for use alone on a dessert.
6. Do not overbeat. The cream will separate.
Variations on Flavorings
1/4 Teaspoon Almond Extract
1 Teaspoon Flavored Liqueur
1 Teaspoon Brandy or Rum
1 to 2 Teaspoons Citrus Zest
1 to 2 Teaspoons instant coffee, plus 1 Teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons cocoa, plus 1 Teaspoon vanilla
Cinnamon, sprinkle on top when ready to serve
Tips:
1. How was it made differently between my sister and I? She used powdered sugar and I used granulated sugar. Each sugar makes a completely different textured whipped topping. Powdered sugar will help the cream stay blended for use over several days, but granulated makes it sweeter. So choose depending upon the recipe or how long you anticipate needing to use the cream.
2. In all the years of making whipped cream, I've only had one time when the cream wouldn't whip. But it does happen. Check your expiration date when you buy the cream to make sure it is fresh.
3. Be sure to check RecipeTips.com if you need to know the differences between the types of creams you find in the grocery store or if you'd like turn whip cream into a frosting type topping that can be used to decorate cakes.
