Fruit Cloud Cream

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Fruit purees lightened with whipped cream are wonderful charlotte fillings because of their pure flavor and light texture. A small amount of gelatin makes the cloud cream just firm enough to unmold and hold its form when sliced. This cream is also excellent for frosting and decorating génoise.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
  • 1 cup cooked fruit puree, unsweetened and at room temperature
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 7 tablespoons sugar

Preparation

Step 1

1. Refrigerate the mixing bowl and beater for at least 15 minutes.

2. In a small heatproof measuring cup place the gelatin and 1/4 cup fruit puree and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Set the cup in a pan of simmering water for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until the gelatin is dissolved. (This can also be done in a few seconds in a microwave on high power, stirring once or twice.)

3. Remove the cup and stir the gelatin mixture into the remaining puree. The mixture should now be cool to the touch (not warm or ice cold).

4. In the chilled bowl, beat the cream just until it mounds softly when dropped from a spoon. Add the sweetened puree and beat just until stiff peaks form when the beater is raised. Taste and fold in more sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Use as soon as possible.

VARIATIONS
Strawberry Cloud Cream: 1 cup unsweetened cooked Strawberry Puree mixed with 7 tablespoons sugar. Serve with optional Grand Marnier Crème Anglaise.

Raspberry Cloud Cream: ! cup unsweetened cooked Raspberry Puree mixed with 2/3 cup sugar. Serve with optional Chambord liqueur or Pistachio Crème Anglaise.

Apricot Cloud Cream: 1 cup unsweetened cooked Apricot Puree mixed with 1/2 cup sugar. Use only 2 teaspoons gelatin with 1 tablespoon of water when softening the 1/4 cup puree. Serve with Barack Palinka (apricot brandy), or Pistachio Crème Anglaise.

Peach Cloud Cream : 2 1/4 cups unsweetened cooked Peach Puree mixed with 2/3 cup sugar. Use only 1 1/2 cups of cream. Serve with optional Peach Brandy, Pêcher Mignon or Poire William Anglaise

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