Cream Crowdie Food

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.

SCOTTISH CROWDIE

Steps:

• Pour the milk into a pan and heat it slowly and carefully over very low heat.
• You must watch it constantly until it curdles.
• DO NOT allow the milk to boil or even to simmer, or the curds will harden.
• When the curd has set, allow it to cool before you attempt to drain the whey.
• Line a colander with a clean muslin cloth (double-layered or triple-layered cheesecloth makes a fair substitute if you don't have muslin), and transfer the curds into it.
• Leave the colander alone until most of the whey had drained and then squeeze out the last of the whey by hand.
• Mix the crowdie with a little salt until it has attained a smooth texture.
• Lastly, blend the crowdie with a little cream, put the mixture in a dish and allow to rest in the refrigerator.

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!

CREAM CROWDIE

Steps:

• Place oatmeal in a small pan. Stir over low heat five minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from heat; cool completely.
• Whip cream in a small mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
• Add honey and beat just until combined. Fold cooled toasted oats into the cream mixture using a metal spoon.
• Layer the cream and raspberry in a dessert glasses, ending with the cream.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve sprinkled with toasted oats.

CHOCOLATE CRANACHAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix chocolate, hazelnuts, and brown sugar in medium bowl. Spread oats out on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Stir hot oats into chocolate mixture (hot oats will partially melt chocolate); set aside until chocolate firms, at least 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
• Using electric mixer, beat whipping cream, crème fraîche, and sugar in large bowl until cream mixture holds peaks. Fold in whisky.
• In each of six 10- to 12-ounce goblets, layer 3/4 cup cream mixture and 3/4 cup oat mixture; repeat layering. Top each parfait with 3/4 cup cream mixture and sprinkle with oat mixture. Cover parfaits and chill overnight.

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.