This specialty of Devonshire, England (which
is why it's also known as Devonshire or Devon cream) is traditionally
made by gently heating rich, unpasteurized milk until a semisolid
layer of cream forms on the surface. After cooling, the thickened
cream is removed. Since unpasteurized milk is not easily attained
in the US, here is a recipe that comes close to the real thing.
Clotted cream can be spread on bread or spooned atop fresh fruit
or desserts. The traditional English "cream tea" consists
of clotted cream and jam served with scones and tea.
Clotted Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Cook cream in top of double boiler over
simmering water until reduced by about half. It should be the
consistency of butter, with a golden "crust" on the
top.
- Transfer, including crust, to bowl. Cover
and let stand 2 hours, then refrigerate at least 12 hours.
- Stir crust into cream before serving.
Keep unused portions refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to
4 days.
Makes about 1 cup.