Cream Crowdie Cranachan Food

CREAM CROWDIE (CRANACHAN)

Steps:

• Scatter the oatmeal and sugar evenly over a roasting tin and toast under the grill. Turn occasionally to brown evenly. Allow to cool completely. Add the honey and whisky to the double cream and whisk until thick. Fold in most of the toasted oatmeal, reserving a handful for garnish. Spoon a layer of the mixture into glass serving dishes. Add a layer of raspberries (reserve some for decoration) and top with a further layer of cream. Decorate with the reserved raspberries and oatmeal and a sprig of mint. Variation: In Scotland, the traditional way to eat cranachan is to place all the individual ingredients on the table and allow the guests to build their own pudding to taste. For a richer texture, whip 150ml double cream to stiff peaks then fold in 150ml mascarpone or crowdie cheese. Feel free to drizzle over another shot of whisky, Glayva or Drambuie.

SCOTTISH CREAM CROWDIE WITH RASPBERRIES

Steps:

• Toast the oatmeal in a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
• Beat the cream until it is soft, not stiff. Add and gently beat in the sugar and vanilla.
• Fold in the cooled oatmeal and raspberries. Put into a serving dish, cover and chill. Enjoy!

RASPBERRY CREAM CROWDIE

Steps:

• Put the oatmeal or oats in a heavy-based, preferably non-stick, pan and cook over a low heat, stirring constantly until they are toasted and golden. Allow to cool before use.
• Meanwhile, pour the cream into a mixing bowl and whip until soft peaks form, then gradually whisk in the honey and whisky (if you are including this). Set aside.
• After you have removed the stems, washed and carefully dry the raspberries, place a few raspberries in the base of 4 dessert glasses, top with a little cream mixture and sprinkle with some oatmeal or oats. Continue layering the raspberries, cream and oatmeal, finishing with a layer of raspberries and oatmeal. Chill until required.
• Notes: To prevent the oats from becoming soggy, chill the cream mixture at the end of step 2, and assemble the desserts just before serving.
• Alternative: For slightly larger serves, with more of the creamy mixture, use 150ml of double cream and 150ml of yoghurt, mixed together, with honey and whisky then whisked into the blended cream/yogurt. The yogurt I always buy is a very creamy, slightly sweet Greek yogurt which I get at a local delicatessen. When I make this recipe I intend using this instead of cream.