Rich Cream - Kaymaki

Servings: 1
Ingredients:

1 qt Heavy cream

Thick rich eastern Mediterranean ‘kaymaki’ (literally, ‘frothy cream’) is
unique, but two more readily available products have a similar flavor and
texture. Imported English clotted (Devon) cream and Italian mascarpone
cheese both make good substitutes, or you cna make your own. Make this
when you plan to be in the kitchen for a couple of hours - for an even
smooth texture and a thick crust you need to stir the hot cream at regular
intervals. Be sure to use meticulously clean utensils and keep the
cooking heat very low (or use a heat diffuser mat). Kaymaki should be
made at least 18 hours before you need it; it can be stored for up to a
week.

Slowly bring the cream almost to a boil in a heavy saucepan, stirring
occasionally with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to as low as possible,
or place the saucepan on a heat diffuser mat. Lift a ladleful of cream
about 12 inches above the saucepan, and pour it back in a thin steady
stream; repeat 2 or 3 times. Repeat this procedure every 10 minutes or so
over the next 1-1/2 hours, and stir the cream occasionally to make sure
it does not stick.

Leave the cream undisturbed over the lowest heat for 30 minutes longer; it
will have reduced by at least two thirds. Remove the saucepan from the
heat and let cool.

Loosely cover with a clean kitchen towel and set aside for 2 hours.

Remove the kitchen towel, tightly cover, and refrigerate for at least 12
hours, or overnight.

Cut the crust on top of the cream into 1-inch-wide strips. Gently fold
one end of a strip over the handle of a wooden spoon and roll it up (cut
in half if the roll becomes too thick or unwieldy), and slide off onto a
plate. Repeat with the remaining strips. The remaining kaymaki will have
the texture of thick airless cream. It can be refrigerated in a tightly
covered container of up to 1 week; refrigerate the rolls for up to 3 days.

Note: Serve kaymaki rolls on their own or with desserts such as Kataifi
Nut Rolls or Almond Cake. Kaymaki cream can be added to ice cream or rice
pudding for an especially good flavor. Or whisk it together with a little
sweet wine or lemon juice for a perfect accompaniment to fresh or poached
fruit or sweet pastries.

Source: Flavors of Greece - by Rosemary Barron
ISBN: 0-688-07087-6

Typed for you by Karen Mintzias

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