Kitchen Basics: Whipped Cream

Recently a very sweet reader emailed in and asked that we share some basic kitchen skills/knowledge now and again. I LOVED this idea because I remember when I first started getting into cooking and was feeling a little overwhelmed at times. I've had a lot of ah-ha moments over the years (heck, I still have them!). Some things are easier than you think, or just one little trick makes all the difference.For example, did you know that making homemade whipped cream is about the easiest thing in the world. The first time I whipped up a batch I was totally blown away by how simple the process was. And having fresh whipped cream ready at your next family dinner is an easy and fun way to impress!Homemade whipped cream, makes about 3 cups.

Needed: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.

In the bowl of an electric mixer pour the cream, beat on medium for about 3-4 minutes until the cream begins to thicken. Add in the sugar and extract and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. You can do this by hand with a whisk; adjust your beating time (add on another 5-8 minutes).Easy right? Add a little whipped cream to ice cream, brownies, warm pie or to top off a cake. If your feeling experimental swap out the vanilla extract for another flavor—like mint extract. Enjoy! xo. Emma

P.S. What kind of kitchen basics would you like to see?

Comments

[J]

Is this really a post that needs to happen? Are there seriously people in the world who don't know how to make whipped cream?! The recipe is there in the name- whipped. cream. This might be *too* basic of a kitchen basic.

That said (I'm sorry, I couldn't help it), I also like to use brown sugar sometimes instead of white just for a slight twist :)

[Heather]

Sounds soooo yummy! I'll definitely be trying this out ASAP!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

[Cassie]

Thanks for this post! I'm BRAND new at cooking and seriously, I didn't know the most simplest of things. Like this recipe, it makes total sense, but I had no idea that was how easy it was to make whipped cream. Love it!

[Anoushka]

Whipped cream - I can never say no to this!

www.luxessed.com

[Carlye Ignatenko]

I would like to see how to make alfredo sauce from scratch. Everytime I make alfredo sauce it seems to go from a nice thick consistency to suddenly becoming thin/runny. I believe I am doing something wrong concerning heating the sauce, but I don't know how to tell when enough is enough. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[The Most Awesome Redheaded Mary]

Yes, there are seriously people who don't know how to make whipped cream. I was one of them before I read this post, I could probably even burn water. I'm always surprised at the audacity of some people.

[Michaela]

I don't know if this is some sort of cultural crash (I'm from Sweden)but we have always whipped our cream by ourselfs.

[Pam]

I always love the food posts!

One tip for whipped cream newbies - Everything comes together best when the bowl (preferably metal)and whisk or mixer attachments are kept in the freezer for 20 minutes to get good and cold.

[October]

Yup - also didn't know how to make whipped cream. I'm just beginning as a cook. Thanks for this! I want to go make some right now. :-)

- October

[Rory]

My mom taught me how to do this, too! It tastes so much better than your regular old whipped cream in a can :) I'd like to see quick and easy breakfast/lunch/dinner recipes for picky eaters! :)
Rory
http://www.wearaboutsblog.com/

[cheyenne]

yum, i could go for some ice cream right now!
homemade whipped cream is the best, and i love the idea of putting ice cream in those jars.
xo, cheyenne

[Roni]

These pix are yumm...

[tianna @ Suffocated Bliss]

Homemade whip cream is SO much better than store bought from the can.

- tianna

[Katie B]

here's another super easy way to make whipped cream: fill a glass jar (larger, mason jars are best) about 1/2 way with heavy whipping cream and a touch of vanilla, put the lid on and SHAKE it for a minute or two. you get the same results without using any electricity and left-over whipped cream is already in a container for storage.....great for impromptu picnics and camping! *note: i prefer a less sweet whipped cream, so i can't say for sure how it would turn out if you add sugar to the jar.

[jesspants]

I have been making my own whipped cream for years - I can't tell you how many of my friends are completely wowed when I tell them it's fresh instead of cool-whip. It makes a huge difference, and it's so simple!

[Emily V]

This looks absolutely delicious! Can't wait to try :)

xx Emily

http://outintosparks.blogspot.ca

[Jemina]

In Finland this post would be about 'did you know you can actually buy whipped cream'!. Like Michaela commented before, this has to be a cultural crash.

Funny! I've never even eaten whipped cream from a jar.

[em]

what about a post on how to separate an egg? ahahah! this is a fun idea & CUTE WHIPPED CREAM

[Claire O.]

great post - some people (ME) don't know the basics, so i appreciate the tips. I love the idea of shaking it up in a jar!

maybe a post on making your own pasta? or some vegan-substituted baking recipes?

thanks :)

[Cindy]

I would love to see some basics such as the perfect boiled egg, how to not burn the bottom of your cookies, pie crust from scratch, spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce, omelette, basic or base recipe for a plain muffin that you could add any variety of ingredients to make it into blueberry, pumpkin, coconut muffins.