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Do you know what my kids say whenever I tell them they're spoiled? They look at me, quite pleased, with a twinkle in their eye, and say the same thing every time: "Yes, and proud of it!" (with a huge exclamation point.)
Our children are grown now with children of their own but, as we were raising them, our child-rearing philosophy was quite simple: firm discipline mixed with a tremendous amount of love and lots of laughs. That was story in a nutshell. This can, at times, be a delicate balance, but it works! We expected our kids to behave but showered them with love, indulged them when we could and had lots of fun along the way. We still have a wonderful relationship and thoroughly enjoy spending time together.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised at their response. Doesn't everyone want to be spoiled just a bit? To this day, I enjoy surprising them with fun gifts, cooking their favorite meals and preparing old family recipes they've come to cherish. I always marvel at how food can bring back wonderful memories and speak a love language like nothing else.
An example of how my kids are spoiled happens quite frequently when my son and daughter-in-law come for dinner. If I'm serving a dessert that calls for a dollop of whipped cream, I don't DARE bring out the aerosol can. Oh no, it has to be the REAL thing and preferably with REAL vanilla beans (or vanilla bean paste) in lieu of regular vanilla. See what I mean? Spoiled. Rotten.
I have to admit, there is a huge difference in the taste of fresh cream whipped to dreamy, sweet mounds of deliciousness vs the stuff that comes in a can and has lots of ingredients listed on the label that I can't pronounce. Sometimes though. I just don't feel like taking the time to get out my mixer, extra bowls, utensils, etc. I heard about a simple trick not long ago and thought it sounded too good to be true - Whipped Cream Made in a Mason Jar! No mixer, extra bowls or utensils to clean.
I had to try it. It took a few attempts to get it just right but guess what? Whipped Cream Made in a Mason Jar is amazing and works like a charm. It's almost as easy as pulling the spray can out of the fridge ............. but please don't tell my kids. I'm kind of proud that they're proud of being spoiled! I wouldn't want to "spoil" their image of me .
Try out this simple technique (takes less than 1o minutes)!
This post also seen on PARADE MAGAZINE
Whipped Cream Made in a Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream*
- 1-2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 clean 1-pint Mason jar with lid
Instructions
- Place a pint size Mason jar in the freezer for 10-15 minutes with the lid on before beginning recipe.
- Remove jar from freezer and unscrew the lid. Add 1 cup heavy cream, 1-2 tablespoon sugar (depending on how sweet you like your whipped cream) and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.
- Screw lid on tightly and begin shaking. Shake vigorously for 5-6 minutes. (Have a friend or your kids help - 5 minutes doesn't sound that long but when your shaking really hard, your arm will get quite weary). When cream is almost ready, you'll notice a difference in the sound (it will no longer swoosh) and the cream will coat the sides of the jar. Take a peek. If cream is not thick enough, shake a little longer, but be careful at this point as a lovely, fluffy whipped cream can quickly turn to lovely, fluffy butter! You want a creamy consistency that will form soft peaks when stirred with a spoon.
Notes
This is a great recipe to make with kids. They can all get in on the shaking exercise, get rid of some excess energy and will be thrilled when they see (and taste) the results of their labor.
Andrew Wallace says
Just so I'm clear, you not only used the photos used in this post from Parade Magazine without giving credit, but actually had the audacity to watermark them with your website, thus taking ownership of them; ie. THEFT. Cool. Cool. Cool.
Chris Scheuer says
It's probably a good rule of thumb to not speak until you have all the facts Andrew. I wrote that article for Parade Magazine. Have a really nice Thanksgiving!
https://parade.com/member/chrisscheuer/
Sandra says
A tasty treat and an arm workout. I love a two-fer!!
maryann says
If anyone has those shake drink cups that have the star divider in it. It will make it easier to make whipped cream. And yes after the whipped stage is the butter stage, just leave out the vanilla. For those that have never made butter before, The "water" that is left over from the butter is basically skim milk as the butter fat is the butter.
Kate says
Great idea! My MIL never brought out the can....so, I guess I started making my own a long time ago...love this technique....bring on the mason jars!! 🙂
Angie (@angiesrecipess) says
You always have some amazing and fun ideas, Chris. Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
I now want to have some whipped cream, Chris:) Whit dots of vanilla, yum!
Cuisinedeprovence says
What an idea - I cannot wait to try this!
TheKitchenLioness says
Chris, this is indeed such a fun way to whip up some lovely fresh cream - I adore the specks of the vanilla bean in the picture, so wonderfully delicious looking!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Chris this is just genius! Next chance I get I'll be making my own. I think we have adopted a similar parenting philosophy here.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Such a great trick, I love those flecks of vanilla bean!
gloria says
this is a wonderful.recipe Chris!
Veronica says
What a fun way to make it, esp with kids!
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
What a SUPER cleaver way to make whipped cream. I have numerous mason jars lying around and will try this next time I need to make whipped cream.
spoon-stories says
Thanks for sharring!! Vanilla perfum all over the place^^
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I make a mess with a wire whisk too and my patience gives out just before it's ready. I'll give the jar a shake and see how it goes. I love whipped cream on desserts.
Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines says
Oh, I am SO glad you posted this. I feel the exact same way about fresh whipped cream as compared to the tub version. If it's this easy to make, you may never see another tub in my house (except for storing my leftovers)!
Chris Scheuer says
Either would work 🙂
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
WOW! What a great idea and fresh is always best!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
I thought you were going to tell me you use a stick blender. I have been doing that, but like you said, you need to be careful or you have fluffy butter. That may not be a bad idea on pancakes or crêpes. hmmm....
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
I agree with you, Chris! There is a difference between homemade and store-bought whipped cream. The taste of the first is much superior to the second. What a great method you've just shared with us!
lisalynn says
Yep.. & if you keep shaking the jar.. you get BUTTER 🙂
yummmmmmm
Monique says
The litte vanilla specks:) Love..
And the bottle! I know I should not covet.
Done:)
Jodee Weiland says
Wonderful! This is so much better than any store bought whipped cream...delicious for sure. Thanks for sharing this recipe Chris!
June says
This is a "fun" thing to do, but you know, I don't believe it's any easier than a bowl and wire whisk---and the whisk certainly doesn't take 5-6 minutes, nor does it need to be chilled prior to using. Just saying!
Chris Scheuer says
You're probably a bit neater than I am June. When I whisk it seem to spatter and my arm feels like it will fall off. Also, I like this method because, if there's any leftover, I can store it right in the airtight jar I made it in. I do chill my bowl, even when I whisk, I think it gets fluffier when everything is really cold.
Pam says
I will be trying this method soon - simple & quick with no cleanup!