crème fraîche

Definition

Thick, tangy cultured cream with about 30% butterfat that won't curdle when heated, unlike its temperamental cousin sour cream. The French answer to the question 'how do we make cream even better?'

Example Usage

Finish the sauce with a dollop of crème fraîche for richness and a slight tang.

Origin

French, literally 'fresh cream'

Fun Fact

You can make DIY crème fraîche by adding buttermilk to heavy cream and leaving it at room temperature for 24 hours, though it won't have the same authentic French attitude.

Source: French dairy products and sauce enrichment

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