Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is a favorite for many when it comes to enhancing the experience of enjoying a dessert or a cup of hot chocolate. However, whipping cream to perfection requires a bit of technique and understanding. People often have problems with achieving the right texture - whipping too little results in a runny cream, while whipping too much can lead to a butter-like consistency. For best results, start whipping the cream when it's very cold, and begin at a slower speed, gradually increasing as it thickens. This helps incorporate more air into the cream so it can 'whip' into that sought-after fluffy texture. To get the most out of your whipped cream, consider sweetening it with a bit of confectioner's sugar and adding a splash of vanilla for depth of flavor. If you like, you can also fold in other flavors such as cocoa powder, spices, or pureed fruit, after the cream has been whipped. A less known tip when whipping cream is to place your mixing bowl and whisk attachments in the freezer a few minutes before use. This helps to keep the cream cold resulting in a fluffier outcome. Also, consider using a hand mixer or a stand mixer rather than a food processor. A mixer will incorporate more air into the cream, which gives whipped cream its light and fluffy texture.