DEVONSHIRE CREAM

A clotted cream produced commercially in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset England. A thick, rich, yellowish cream with a scalded or cooked flavor that is made by heating unpasteurized milk until a thick layer of cream sits on top. The milk is cooled and the layer of cream is skimmed off. Clotted cream has 55-60 percent fat content and is so thick it does not need whipping. If possible try to buy the real thing. In the States it is sold in small jars and can be found in specialty food stores or else through mail order catalogs

4 ounces mascarpone
1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 or 2 tablespoons (12-24 grams) granulated white sugar
Zest of lemon or lime (optional)

Place mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Combine all the ingredients in mixing bowl and beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours. This cream does not hold very well so if refrigerating, re-whip cream before serving. Makes one cup.


LEMON CURD
Lemon Curd is a thick lemon-flavored cream that contains eggs, butter, sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest. It is cooked and when cooled, is used as a spread for scones. If you have any leftover lemon curd, it can be used to fill presoaked tart shells.

3 large eggs
1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice (approximately 3 lemons)
1 tablespoon (6 grams) finely grated lemon zest
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small chunks

In the top of a double boiler over medium heat combine the eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest. With a wire whisk, whisk the mixture constantly until it thickens and starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl. Cut the butter into small pieces and whisk into mixture until the butter is melted. Lightly sprinkle sugar over the top of the lemon curd (this prevents a skin from forming) and cover with plastic wrap. (The lemon curd will thicken as it cools.) The lemon curd will keep for several days refrigerated. Makes one cup.