Cheese

Herb Cream with Capers

by:
January  8, 2010
5
1 Ratings
Herb Cream with Capers
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

Who said whipped cream had to be for dessert? For years I've been making a savory whipped cream seasoned with herbs, lemon zest and capers and serving it with smoked salmon and crackers. I got the idea from a restaurant I worked at in France 15 years ago.

So here is my top-secret (well, not really), impossible-to-screw-up (yes, really) recipe. Once you get acquainted with savory whipped cream, open your fridge and branch out -- right now, I'm really into a plain horseradish version that's terrific with roast beef (a recipe attributed to Mary Lincoln, the wife of Abraham Lincoln). You could also do:
hot smoked paprika (to go with brandade); or

creme fraiche, ginger and lime (to dollop on top of corn soup). —Amanda Hesser

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
  • 1/2 tablespoon thinly sliced chives
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Coarse or kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. In an electric mixer fitted with a whisk, beat the heavy cream until it holds a stiff peak. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the remaining ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Lynne Faubert
    Lynne Faubert
  • mtrelaun
    mtrelaun
  • Amanda Hesser
    Amanda Hesser
  • nsj
    nsj
Amanda Hesser

Recipe by: Amanda Hesser

Before starting Food52 with Merrill, I was a food writer and editor at the New York Times. I've written several books, including "Cooking for Mr. Latte" and "The Essential New York Times Cookbook." I played myself in "Julie & Julia" -- hope you didn't blink, or you may have missed the scene! I live in Brooklyn with my husband, Tad, and twins, Walker and Addison.

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7 Reviews

nsj
nsj January 14, 2010
Lynne, will you post the your chickpea-potato cakes! Thanks.
 
Lynne F.
Lynne F. January 14, 2010
Sure, with pleasure. I'm in a bit of a rush today, I'll try to get to it by tomorrow, it's a great recipe!
 
Lynne F.
Lynne F. January 16, 2010
Hi, nsj :) Recipe has been posted under Samosa-style Chickpea Potato Cakes. Enjoy!
 
Lynne F.
Lynne F. January 9, 2010
Thanks so much for reminding me of savory whipped cream. I made this using green onion and chopped coriander instead, to serve with chickpea-potato cakes (kind of samosa but just breaded, no chiles because of my 3 yr-old). The crunchiness of the cakes, the airiness of the cream, it was a gorgeous match. Owe you :)
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. August 1, 2010
Chickpea-potato cakes sound good! Thanks for trying out the cream.
 
mtrelaun
mtrelaun January 8, 2010
I love this idea, Amanda! Can you make the cream a little ahead of time and refrigerate, or can it only be prepared à la minute?
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. January 8, 2010
You can definitely make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Wouldn't leave it for more than 4 hours though.