Cream Crowdie Cranachan Recipes

CRANACHAN

Steps:

• To toast the oatmeal, spread it out on a baking sheet and grill until it smells rich and nutty. It will not darken quickly, so use your sense of smell to tell you when it is nutty enough. Cool the oatmeal.
• Make a raspberry purée by crushing half the fruit and sieving. Sweeten this to taste with a little caster sugar. Whisk the double cream until just set, and stir in the honey and whisky, trying not to over-whip the cream. Taste the mix and add more of either if you feel the need.
• Stir in the oatmeal and whisk lightly until the mixture is just firm. Alternate layers of the cream with the remaining whole raspberries and purée in 4 serving dishes. Allow to chill slightly before eating.

CREAM CROWDIE (CRANACHAN)

Steps:

• Scatter the oatmeal and sugar evenly over a roasting tin and toast under the grill. Turn occasionally to brown evenly. Allow to cool completely. Add the honey and whisky to the double cream and whisk until thick. Fold in most of the toasted oatmeal, reserving a handful for garnish. Spoon a layer of the mixture into glass serving dishes. Add a layer of raspberries (reserve some for decoration) and top with a further layer of cream. Decorate with the reserved raspberries and oatmeal and a sprig of mint. Variation: In Scotland, the traditional way to eat cranachan is to place all the individual ingredients on the table and allow the guests to build their own pudding to taste. For a richer texture, whip 150ml double cream to stiff peaks then fold in 150ml mascarpone or crowdie cheese. Feel free to drizzle over another shot of whisky, Glayva or Drambuie.

CHOCOLATE CRANACHAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix chocolate, hazelnuts, and brown sugar in medium bowl. Spread oats out on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Stir hot oats into chocolate mixture (hot oats will partially melt chocolate); set aside until chocolate firms, at least 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
• Using electric mixer, beat whipping cream, crème fraîche, and sugar in large bowl until cream mixture holds peaks. Fold in whisky.
• In each of six 10- to 12-ounce goblets, layer 3/4 cup cream mixture and 3/4 cup oat mixture; repeat layering. Top each parfait with 3/4 cup cream mixture and sprinkle with oat mixture. Cover parfaits and chill overnight.

CREAM CROWDIE

Steps:

• Place oatmeal in a small pan. Stir over low heat five minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from heat; cool completely.
• Whip cream in a small mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
• Add honey and beat just until combined. Fold cooled toasted oats into the cream mixture using a metal spoon.
• Layer the cream and raspberry in a dessert glasses, ending with the cream.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve sprinkled with toasted oats.

SCOTTISH CROWDIE

Steps:

• Pour the milk into a pan and heat it slowly and carefully over very low heat.
• You must watch it constantly until it curdles.
• DO NOT allow the milk to boil or even to simmer, or the curds will harden.
• When the curd has set, allow it to cool before you attempt to drain the whey.
• Line a colander with a clean muslin cloth (double-layered or triple-layered cheesecloth makes a fair substitute if you don't have muslin), and transfer the curds into it.
• Leave the colander alone until most of the whey had drained and then squeeze out the last of the whey by hand.
• Mix the crowdie with a little salt until it has attained a smooth texture.
• Lastly, blend the crowdie with a little cream, put the mixture in a dish and allow to rest in the refrigerator.