Raspberry cream

Raspberry Cream - a Quick and Irresistible Delight

Who doesn’t love fresh raspberries? Their sweet-tart aroma brings to mind warm summer days, even in October. If you’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a bountiful harvest of raspberries, you might be wondering what to do with this delicious treasure. After making tart, ice cream, and cake, I now propose a quick and easy recipe: Raspberry Cream. It’s a perfect choice for an elegant snack or a dessert to end a meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Recipe History:
Raspberry cream is a dessert that blends tradition with modernity. Its origins lie in the refined dishes of European cuisines, where fruit desserts have always been highly appreciated. This simple and quick recipe adds a touch of elegance to any meal, making it ideal for special occasions or to indulge after a long day.

Ingredients:
- 500 g heavy cream (ideally, use fresh cream, not from a carton)
- 500 g fresh raspberries, well washed and drained
- 10 g gelatin (about 2 sheets or 1 tablespoon of granulated gelatin) + 3 tablespoons of milk
- 100-150 g powdered sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)

Preparing Raspberry Cream:

1. Hydrate the Gelatin: Start by mixing the gelatin with the 3 tablespoons of milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the liquid and becomes soft. This is an important step, as the gelatin will help the cream have a smooth texture and hold well.

2. Make Raspberry Puree: In a blender, add the 500 g of raspberries and blend until you get a smooth puree. It’s important to choose fresh raspberries to benefit from their intense flavor. If the raspberries are not very sweet, you can add a teaspoon of sugar while blending.

3. Strain the Puree: Using a fine sieve, strain the raspberry puree to remove the seeds. This step will ensure a velvety texture for your cream. You should obtain about 300-350 ml of pure raspberry juice.

4. Heat the Raspberry Juice: Place the raspberry juice in a small saucepan and heat it over low heat until just below boiling. Do not let it boil, as you want to keep the flavors intact.

5. Add the Gelatin: Once the raspberry juice is warm, remove it from the heat and add the hydrated gelatin, stirring well until it completely dissolves. It’s essential that the gelatin is well homogenized to avoid lumps.

6. Incorporate the Sugar: Add the powdered sugar and mix well until it completely dissolves. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary. If you prefer a tarter flavor, you can reduce the amount of sugar.

7. Add the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the cream until fluffy, but not too stiff, to maintain its light texture. Then, add the raspberry and gelatin mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Be gentle so that the cream doesn’t deflate.

8. Incorporate the Remaining Raspberries: Add the remaining fresh raspberries to the mixture, gently stirring to avoid breaking the fruit pieces. These will add a pleasant texture and an attractive appearance to your cream.

9. Divide into Glasses: Pour the obtained cream into individual serving glasses or dessert cups. These can be any type of container, from elegant to everyday, depending on the occasion.

10. The Fridge is Your Friend: Place the glasses in the fridge and let them chill for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, for the gelatin to set and the flavors to develop.

Serving Suggestions:
Raspberry cream is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with:
- A warm or melted chocolate sauce
- A dollop of whipped cream (can also be made from heavy cream)
- A few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor
- Crumble cookies or granola for a crunchy contrast

Tips and Variations:
- You can replace raspberries with other berries, such as blueberries or blackberries, or even peaches or mango, for different flavors.
- If you like a more intense raspberry flavor, you can add a few drops of raspberry essence to the puree mixture.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream, resulting in a less fatty but equally delicious cream.

Nutritional Benefits:
Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to immune system health and healthy digestion. Cream, on the other hand, provides healthy fats and calcium necessary for the body.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

2. How can I sweeten the cream if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can use honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount according to your taste.

3. How long does the cream last?
The cream keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure it is well covered to prevent absorbing odors from the fridge.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This raspberry cream recipe is not only quick and simple but also a wonderful way to savor the flavor of fresh raspberries. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this elegant and delicious dessert!