Modern Whipped Cream (Base Preparation)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Heavy Cream (Use heavy cream with at least 36% fat content. Chill thoroughly.)
• 4 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (Adjust to taste.)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Or other flavoring of your choice.)
• 1 Egg White (optional) (For added stability. Beat to stiff peaks separately and fold in.)
• 0.125 teaspoon Gum Tragacanth (optional) (For added stability. Dissolve in a teaspoon of water before adding.)

Instructions

1. 1Place the mixing bowl and whisk (or beaters) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before starting. This helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape better.
2. 2Pour the chilled heavy cream into the chilled mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract (or other flavoring). If using gum tragacanth, dissolve it in a teaspoon of water and add it to the cream. If using egg white, beat it separately to stiff peaks.
3. 3Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. If using egg white, gently fold it into the cream at this stage. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter.
4. 4If the cream fails to froth completely, take off the top froth and drain it on a sieve placed upside down. The cream that drains through can be added to what is left and re-whipped.
5. 5For best results, chill the whipped cream for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cream to stabilize further. Whipped cream can be prepared a day in advance.