How To Make 17th Century Clotted Cream - A History
Clotted cream is a rich, thick cream, similar to butter but with a nuttier flavour, often served with scones and jam in the UK. To make it, full-fat cream is gently heated for many hours until a thick, yellowish crust forms. The recipe from 1670 used in the video highlights how old cookbooks differed, including medical remedies alongside food recipes. The cream needs to be pasteurized, not ultra-pasteurized, which is more common in the US. After heating, the cream is cooled and then the remaining liquid is drained off. There are two main ways to eat it: the modern way with just the cream and crust, or an older way with rose water and sugar. The origin of clotted cream is debated, with some theories linking it to ancient Phoenicians or a more whimsical story about pixies and a witch's curse. It is a beloved British food, traditionally made in Devon and Cornwall, which still argue over the best way to serve it on a scone (jam first or cream first).
Key Vocabulary
This appears to be a transcription error and does not correspond to a standard English word or a word used in the provided text. It might be a misspelling of 'as are' or a similar phrase, but without further context, its meaning cannot be accurately defined.
Examples:
- The nuances of the legal text, as are often the case, required careful interpretation.
- The technical specifications, as are common in this industry, were incredibly detailed.
- The challenges of the project, as are faced by many startups, included securing initial funding.
To scatter small drops or particles over a surface.
Examples:
- She decided to sprinkle some cinnamon on her morning oatmeal for extra flavor.
- The chef would often sprinkle fresh herbs over the finished dish before serving.
- A light sprinkle of rain helped clear the dust from the city streets.
Small, mythical, mischievous creatures, often depicted as having pointed ears and wearing green clothing.
Examples:
- The children imagined tiny pixies hiding among the wildflowers in the garden.
- In the old folk tales, pixies were sometimes known to lead travelers astray with their enchanting lights.
- The artist created a whimsical painting featuring a group of pixies dancing under the moonlight.
Small, raised spots on the skin, often associated with acne, but in the context of heating cream, it refers to small bubbles or irregularities that appear on the surface.
Examples:
- After a long day in the sun, small pimples of condensation appeared on the cold glass of water.
- The surface of the molten metal began to show tiny pimples as it cooled.
- When the sauce started to simmer, little pimples formed on its surface, indicating it was ready.
Extremely hot; capable of burning, often used in reference to liquids heated to just below boiling point.
Examples:
- He accidentally touched the scalding hot pan and quickly recoiled his hand.
- The tea was served scalding, perfect for a cold winter's evening.
- She carefully poured the scalding water into the cup to steep the herbs.
Routine tasks, especially household tasks, that need to be done regularly.
Examples:
- Doing the laundry and washing dishes were her regular weekend chores.
- The children were each assigned daily chores to help maintain the cleanliness of the house.
- He prefers to get all his chores done in the morning so he can relax in the afternoon.
A unit of volume in the metric system, equal to one thousandth of a liter.
Examples:
- The recipe called for exactly 250 milliliters of milk.
- The small bottle contained only 10 milliliters of concentrated essential oil.
- Pharmacists often measure liquid medications in milliliters for precise dosing.
Having such a strong effect as to be overwhelming or irresistible.
Examples:
- The scent of the blooming jasmine was so overpowering that it filled the entire garden.
- He found the rich, heavy flavor of the aged cheese to be almost overpowering.
- The sheer volume of new information was overpowering, making it difficult to focus.
Any of several diseases characterized by a rash of spots or pustules, such as smallpox or chickenpox. In the context of old recipes, it refers to a historical concern with such illnesses.
Examples:
- Historical records describe widespread outbreaks of pox in various ancient civilizations.
- Vaccination efforts have largely eradicated diseases like smallpox, which were once a major pox on humanity.
- The medical text from the 18th century discussed various remedies for the common pox.
This appears to be a transcription error and does not correspond to a standard English word or a word used in the provided text. It might be a misspelling of 'to be' or a similar phrase, but without further context, its meaning cannot be accurately defined.
Examples:
- The goal is to be fully prepared for the upcoming presentation.
- She aspired to be a successful architect in her own right.
- He decided to be more proactive in managing his daily tasks.
Relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect; appealing to the physical senses, especially in a pleasing or gratifying way.
Examples:
- The soft silk fabric had a wonderfully sensual feel against her skin.
- The chef aimed to create a dish that offered a rich and sensual experience for the palate.
- The artist used vibrant colors and flowing lines to evoke a sensual atmosphere in the painting.
This appears to be a transcription error and does not correspond to a standard English word or a word used in the provided text. It might be a misspelling of 'a line' or 'align', but without further context, its meaning cannot be accurately defined.
Examples:
- The architect ensured that all the pillars were perfectly aligned to support the structure.
- She tried to align her personal goals with the company's mission.
- The team worked to align their strategies for maximum efficiency.
An archaic term referring to a small piece of cloth, or something that resembles a cloth, especially in its appearance or texture. In the context of clotted cream, it suggests a resemblance to a cloth laid over the cream due to its folds and texture.
Examples:
- The old farmer wore a patched coat, each patch a small clouted addition.
- The ancient text described a medicine that was to be applied with a clouted compress.
- The worn tapestry had a clouted appearance, with many small, distinct areas of repair.
A thick, soft, or amorphous mass of a coagulated liquid, especially blood, or a similar substance. In the context of cream, it refers to the process where the cream thickens and solidifies into a mass.
Examples:
- The blood began to clot around the small wound, helping to stop the bleeding.
- When the gelatin mixture cooled, it started to clot into a firm, jelly-like consistency.
- The old paint had started to clot in the can, making it difficult to stir.
Having a smooth, rich, and thick texture, similar to cream.
Examples:
- The soup was wonderfully creamy, with a velvety texture that coated the spoon.
- She loved the creamy consistency of the avocado dip.
- The artist achieved a creamy blend of colors on the canvas, creating a soft visual effect.
A book containing recipes and instructions for cooking.
Examples:
- She inherited her grandmother's old cookbook, filled with handwritten notes and beloved family recipes.
- He bought a new cookbook specializing in international cuisine to expand his culinary skills.
- The online cookbook offered a wide variety of recipes, from quick meals to elaborate desserts.
Lacking strong features or characteristics; uninteresting or insipid, especially in taste.
Examples:
- The unsalted crackers had a bland taste, suitable for pairing with stronger flavors.
- He found the lecture to be quite bland, with no exciting new ideas presented.
- After her illness, she preferred to eat bland foods that were easy on her stomach.
To beat or stir (a substance, especially eggs or cream) with a light, rapid movement.
Examples:
- She used a wire whisk to combine the eggs and milk until they were light and frothy.
- The baker would whisk the batter vigorously to incorporate air and create a smooth texture.
- He quickly whisked the sauce to prevent any lumps from forming.
To ward off or prevent (something undesirable or harmful).
Examples:
- They hoped the new policy would stave off a potential economic downturn.
- Drinking plenty of water can help stave off dehydration during hot weather.
- The old fence was just strong enough to stave off the curious deer from the garden.
Having small, natural indentations or depressions on a surface. In the context of cream, it refers to the formation of small depressions on its surface as it cooks or sets.
Examples:
- The baby's cheeks were adorably dimpled when he smiled.
- The golf ball's dimpled surface helps it fly further through the air.
- After a long bake, the top of the casserole was golden brown and slightly dimpled.