Wonder no more about the difference between half and half, light cream, whipping cream and heavy cream.
Milk Fat Scale
In one word, it comes down to one thing – fat. The percentage of fat content is what differentiates how each product performs in recipes.
Heavy Cream and Light Cream are best used for adding to coffee or pouring over fruit.
Whipping Cream thickens soups and sauces.
* In order to make a whip, a minimum of 32% fat content is required.
Heavy Cream, at 36-40% fat content, is the most widely used in the making whipped cream and ice cream.
Author’s Opinion: I haven’t researched who originated the fat scale and how each grade of milk was named, but it would make more sense to me if the last two – Heavy Cream and Whipped Cream were switched.
Additional Resources:
Southern Living – Difference between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream and how to use them.
Related Article by Emma Christensen : Difference between Half and Half, Light Cream, Heavy Cream and Whipping Cream
//www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-halfandha-73203
Martha Stewart Explains the fat scale. *Cream information located between 4:55 – 8:16 on the video.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4epI_4YYPZE
About.com – How to make your own heavy cream substitute at home with milk and butter. *Not for whipping.
Whipping Tips by Alberta Milk
Coconut Milk Whipped Cream
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Light cream
Other Names:british: single cream, table cream, coffee cream
What is Light cream?
Light cream, called single cream in the UK, is sometimes referred to as coffee or table cream. Light cream may contain from 18 to 30 percent fat but most typically products will have 20 percent fat. In comparison, typical half and half in the U.S. contains 10 to 18% fat.
Substitute for Light cream
If your recipe calls for light cream you can substitute:
- For one cup light cream substitute equal amounts of half and half
- OR - Use 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup whole milk
- OR - For cooking use 7/8 cup whole milk and 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine
Favorite Light cream Recipes
- Brandy Pots de Creme
This Brandy Pot de Creme pot de creme recipe uses brandy, chocolate chips, eggs and light cream or whipping cream. The Brandy flavor mellows when the pot de creme is baked Make in pot de creme cups or ramekins.
- Lavender Scented Pots de Creme
This delicate Lavender Scented Pots de Creme dessert is scented with dried lavender flowers. The flowers are heated with the creme and allowed to stand to absorb the scent.
- Chocolate Butterscotch Fondue
Uses chocolate and butterscotch bits (chips) cream, and vanilla.
- Mayan Hot Chocolate
Mayan Hot Chocolate is a spicy hot chocolate made with chile-infused milk, cinnamon, nuts and vanilla.
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