| Sour cream is a rich treat, which is frequently | | | | accident hundreds of years ago when the top of |
| used as a garnish. It is made mainly from cream | | | | milk went bitter because there was no |
| and bacteria from lactic acid is added to give it | | | | refrigeration at the time. Sour cream is high in fat |
| the distinctive tart flavor. This process is similar to | | | | (a minimum of 18%) but you can get non-fat or |
| yogurt but a different bacteria is added. Creme | | | | light varieties if you are watching your figure. |
| fraiche is a similar ingredient, as is crema | | | | Light sour cream is partially made with milk, which |
| Mexicana, a similar ingredient found in Mexican | | | | means that stabilizes are added to make it the |
| food recipes. | | | | correct consistency. The non-fat version is made |
| When the bacteria are added, it makes the | | | | with non-fat milk and quite a lot of stabilizers to |
| mixture bitter-flavored and thick. Untreated cream | | | | get the texture right. These have a nice sour |
| has a natural sweetness but souring it gives it a | | | | flavor but tend to be less creamy than the real |
| delicious flavor, which is great with savory dishes | | | | thing. |
| and a lot of traditional Mexican foods. Never boil | | | | Yogurt can be used instead of this ingredient in |
| or overhead it when cooking because it will break | | | | many recipes since natural yogurt has a similar |
| down and curdle. The flavor will be the same but | | | | tart flavor and texture. Whole milk yogurt is lower |
| it will not look very good. Most recipes will tell you | | | | in fat than sour cream and it is also rich in active |
| to add it at the end of the cooking time. | | | | cultures. If you find that eating beans gives you |
| How to Make Your Own | | | | digestive issues, adding a dollop of yogurt to your |
| Sour cream used to be made by leaving it on the | | | | beans instead might help you. |
| stove to thicken and go tart, but modern | | | | How to Use This Delicious and Versatile Ingredient |
| pasteurization techniques mean this no longer | | | | Sour cream is used to make ranch dressing and |
| works, because pasteurization kills the bacteria, | | | | various types of potato chip dips. It is also used |
| which make it go bitter. Lactic acid culture is used | | | | to top baked potatoes and traditional Mexican |
| instead. | | | | foods like burritos, tacos, and Mexican salad |
| Alternatively, you can make your own with | | | | recipes. Recipes for cakes, biscuits, muffins, |
| buttermilk. Sterilize a canning jar in boiling water, | | | | waffles and pancakes might also call for this |
| and then add two cups Half & Half, as well as | | | | ingredient. Another use is as a sauce thickener |
| three tablespoons of buttermilk. Cover the jar | | | | and Hungarian goulash uses it, as do some |
| and shake it well, then store it at room | | | | cheesecake recipes. |
| temperature overnight or until the mixture inside | | | | Store this ingredient in the refrigerator as soon |
| is nicely thick. Stir and serve. This will keep in the | | | | after purchase as possible and use it within a few |
| refrigerator for up to three weeks. If any mold | | | | days. Of course, packaged mixes and imitation |
| appears on top, throw it away. | | | | products will keep for longer, but some of these |
| This ingredient was probably discovered by | | | | must be refrigerated after opening. |