MAKE-AHEAD WHIPPED CREAM RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine sugar, salt, cream, and vanilla extract, if using, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. If using a vanilla bean, run the flat of the blade down each half to scrape out the seeds and add them to the cream (reserve the pod for another project). Mix on medium-low speed to dissolve the sugar, about a minute, then increase to medium-high and whip until cream is thick enough to hold firm peaks, about 3 minutes.
• Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate until needed, up to 8 hours.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week; before serving, briefly rewhip the cream to restore its light and silky texture.
• Basil: This emerald-green variation has an herbal freshness that's perfect with strawberry shortcake. Grind the sugar with 2 ounces (2 cups loosely packed) fresh basil leaves in a food processor until the leaves disappear and the sugar looks wet, like pesto. Proceed as directed.
• Cherry Pit: A light cherry-almond flavor thats perfect with a slice of cherry pie. Combine heavy cream with 3 3/4 ounces (1/3 cup) cherry pits, cover, and steep overnight in the fridge. Strain and whip as directed.
• Cocoa: Combine the sugar with 1 ounce (1/3 cup) Dutch-process cocoa powder, such as Cacao Barry Extra Brute.
• Freeze-Dried Fruit: This variation is as colorful as it is tasty. Grind sugar with 1/3 ounce (1/3 cup) freeze-dried fruit such as bananas, blueberries, cherries, or cranberries in a food processor until powdery and fine, then whip as directed. For a thicker consistency, pulse in the food processor bowl until thick, just 90 seconds or so.
• Orange: Combine sugar with 1 tablespoon orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon orange flower water.
• Strawberry: Double strawberry shortcake, anyone? Add 2 ounces (1/4 cup) chilled strawberry syrup to the cream and proceed as directed.

Steps:

• Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a large mixer bowl and whip on high speed until soft peaks form. If making the chocolate version, also add the cocoa.
• 12. Add the mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream and whip until stiff peaks form. It will happen fairly quickly.
• The mascarpone whipped cream will stay stable in the fridge for several days, even for a week, though it won’t remain as fresh. If you are going to use it to frosting something, I would suggest using it right away so that it maintains its texture well. Once it’s piped or spread, etc, it’ll stay put and nice and fluffy.
• *I prefer to use the mascarpone cheese when still chilled, but soft, so that it’ll in corporate well, without chunks. The warmer mascarpone cheese is, the more likely it is to soften to the point that it won’t firm up well again and can make too soft of a frosting. I like to take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before using so that it softens a bit, but is still cool.