Homemade creams

Homemade Cremes: An Unforgettable Delicacy

Cremes, this refined dessert, is a perfect choice for any special occasion or simply to indulge after a long day. With layers of delicate sheets and a fine cream, this dessert combines textures and flavors in a way that delights the taste buds. Discover how to prepare a perfect homemade cremes, step by step, and add a personal touch to your recipe.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the sheets:
- 250 g flour (choose type 00 flour for a finer texture)
- 250 g margarine (make sure it is at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 3 egg yolks (use fresh eggs for a more intense flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream (opt for a rich sour cream for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (the salt will balance the sweetness)

Ingredients for the cream (for one serving):
- 800 ml milk (whole milk provides a richer cream)
- 3 egg yolks (again, fresh)
- 150 g cornstarch (for a thicker cream)
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract)
- 200 g sugar
- 6 egg whites (whipped)
- Powdered sugar with vanilla flavor for decoration

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the sheets. In a large bowl, mix 250 g of flour with 250 g of margarine. Use your fingers or a dough mixer to achieve a sandy mixture. Then add 3 egg yolks, 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough well until it becomes homogeneous. Divide the dough into two equal parts, form balls, and wrap them in cling film. Leave them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. While the dough cools, prepare the cream. In a saucepan, bring 500 ml of milk to a boil along with 200 g of sugar and the vanilla sugar. In a separate bowl, mix 150 g of cornstarch with 3 egg yolks and gradually add 300 ml of cold milk. Mix well to avoid lumps.

3. When the milk in the saucepan starts to boil, add the cornstarch and egg yolk mixture. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Once the cream reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

4. Meanwhile, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet, then place it on a greased baking tray. Do the same with the second part. If you wish, you can trim the edges of the sheets to achieve perfect shapes. Bake the sheets for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

5. Once the sheets are baked, let them cool. Meanwhile, when the cream is cool, whip the egg whites and gently fold them into the vanilla cream. This step will add extra airiness to the cream, making it lighter and fluffier.

6. Assembling the dessert: Place one sheet of dough on a platter, spread a generous layer of cream evenly, then place the second sheet of dough on top. If you wish, you can repeat the process with a third sheet and the remaining cream. Finally, sprinkle powdered sugar with vanilla flavor for an attractive appearance.

7. Let the cremes rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This will allow the flavors to develop and will make slicing easier.

Helpful tips:
- It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- If you want to add a personal touch, you can incorporate a few drops of almond essence into the cream.
- If the cream is too thick, you can add whipped cream to adjust the consistency.
- You can also use prepared pudding as a base for your cream to vary the flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This homemade cremes contains ingredients like milk and eggs, which are excellent sources of protein and calcium. It is a rich dessert, so enjoy it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter will provide a richer taste, but make sure it is well incorporated into the dough.

2. How can I keep the cremes longer?
Keep it in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, to prevent it from drying out.

3. What drinks pair well with cremes?
Black coffee, herbal tea, or a sweet wine can perfectly complement this dessert.

In conclusion, preparing a homemade cremes is not just a pleasant activity but also an opportunity to create delicious memories with loved ones. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply as a personal treat, this dessert will bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. So, put on your chef's attire and unleash your creativity!