It sounds fancier than it actually is.
Enrique DAaz/Getty Images
Its smooth, thick, and tricky to pronounceits creme fraiche.
But what is this mysterious cream, actually?
Photo:Enrique DÃaz/Getty Images
Creme fraiche is a cultureddairy productthat originated in France, but is commonly used across Europe.
Heres everything you gotta know about creme fraiche so you might use it in your own cooking.
What Is Creme Fraiche?
Creme fraiche is a European-style dairy product made from two simple ingredients:heavy creamandbuttermilk.
The end result is ahigh-fat condimentwith a thick, rich consistency and slightly sour taste.
Creme fraiche usually contains at least 30 percent fat.
What Does Creme Fraiche Taste Like?
The cream has a thick texture and is slightly sweet, with some people detecting a hint of nuttiness.
What Is Creme Fraiche Used In?
Creme fraiche can be used in many ways, and its versatile enough for both savory and sweet applications.
Whats the Difference Between Creme Fraiche and Sour Cream?
Creme fraiche andsour creamhave a lot in common.
Since sour cream is more diluted with liquid ingredients, it has a lower fat content and thinner consistency.
The vinegar makes it more acidic, so its also noticeably more sour and tangy.
Creme fraiche is much thicker and richer, thanks to the higher fat content.
Sour cream
In most cases, sour cream is the best substitute for creme fraiche.
Like sour cream, Mexican crema is thinner and more sour.
Its a good choice fordrizzling on chilior stirring into soup.
How to Cook With Creme Fraiche
Creme fraiche is a very versatile ingredient.
Youll find it in both sweet and savory recipes, and the uses for it span every mealfrombreakfasttodessert.
It can also be baked into casseroles, stirred into dips, anddolloped onto savory dishes.
Use it in everything from breads to cakes and more.
you might even use it in cheesecake andhomemade ice cream.
Heres how.Ingredients:
Instructions:
