Ina Garten’s Dreamy Coeur a la Creme Recipe: A Taste of Elegance

Soft, creamy, and utterly irresistible, this Ina Garten coeur à la crème recipe promises a delightful journey into French-inspired elegance.

Delicate cheese blends seamlessly with rich cream, creating a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.

The classic technique of straining ensures a velvety smooth consistency that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest add bright, unexpected notes to this sophisticated dish.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this recipe brings a touch of Parisian charm to your table.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of tanginess and richness that will transport you straight to the French countryside.

Get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that celebrates the art of simple, exquisite cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 378 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients in Ina Garten Savory Coeur A La Creme

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety foundation with tangy undertones; select full-fat, room temperature cheese for smooth blending.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture and lightness; choose ultra-fresh cream with high butterfat content for optimal whipping.

• Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that cut through richness; select firm, deeply colored lemons with vibrant skin.
• Lemon Juice: Adds zesty acidity and helps stabilize the mixture; use freshly squeezed for maximum flavor intensity.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall taste profile; opt for fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Contributes subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground provides most robust flavor.

• Chutney: Delivers sweet-tangy contrast to creamy base; choose fruit-based chutney with complex spice notes.
• Crackers: Provide crisp textural counterpoint; select sturdy, neutral-flavored varieties that won't overpower the crème.
• Cheesecloth: Essential for draining and shaping the crème; ensure high-quality, tightly woven cloth for best results.

Easy Method for Ina Garten Savory Coeur A La Creme

• Creamy Base Preparation

Grab your electric mixer and whip the cream cheese until silky smooth. Blend in cream, zesty lemon elements, and gentle seasoning until the mixture becomes luxuriously firm.

• Mold Setup

Select a delicate coeur à la crème mold or small sieve. Layer cheesecloth generously, ensuring extra fabric hangs over the sides. Carefully transfer the cream mixture into the lined mold, smoothing the surface and draping excess fabric over the top.

• Chilling Process

Position the mold above a catching bowl to allow gentle liquid drainage. Cover with protective wrap and let the creation rest in the refrigerator overnight, allowing flavors to develop and texture to settle.

• Final Presentation

When ready to serve, carefully flip the creamy delight onto a beautiful serving plate. Cascade a vibrant chutney over the top, letting it elegantly cascade down the sides. Accompany with crisp crackers and a petite serving knife for an elegant touch.

Garnishing & Tips for Ina Garten Savory Coeur A La Creme

• Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother blending and avoid lumps in the final mixture.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh dill, chives, or thyme to add unique taste dimensions to the crème.
• Try alternative condiments such as fig jam, red pepper jelly, or fruit compote to complement the creamy cheese base and add exciting flavor contrasts.
• This dish can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it an ideal make-ahead appetizer for entertaining guests without last-minute stress.
• Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version or swap in goat cheese for a tangier profile that still maintains the luxurious texture of the original recipe.

Presentation Tips for Ina Garten Savory Coeur A La Creme

• Dramatic Cheese Platter Centerpiece: Create an elegant display by placing the coeur à la crème on a rustic wooden board surrounded by an assortment of artisan crackers, fresh herbs, and whole olives.
• Elegant Brunch Companion: Pair this creamy delicacy with crisp white wine, thinly sliced prosciutto, and toasted baguette rounds for a sophisticated weekend gathering.
• Fresh Flavor Enhancers: Sprinkle chopped chives, cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top to add unexpected depth and visual appeal to the delicate cheese presentation.
• Party Appetizer Transformation: Break the traditional serving style by creating individual small portions in mini ramekins, perfect for passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail parties or intimate gatherings.

Storing Leftovers of Ina Garten Savory Coeur A La Creme

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store the coeur à la creme in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor profile.
• Freeze with Caution: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for maximum 1 week, understanding the texture might slightly change upon thawing due to high cream content.
• Prep Ahead Brilliance: Create this elegant appetizer 24 hours before your gathering, allowing flavors to develop and reducing last-minute kitchen stress.
• Serve Smartly: Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, ensuring a creamy spreadable consistency that guests will adore.

Gear Needed for Ina Garten Savory Coeur A La Creme

• Electric Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Essential for whipping cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy texture.
• Coeur à la Crème Mold or Small Sieve: Specific tool for shaping and draining the cheese mixture.
• Cheesecloth: Crucial for lining the mold and helping drain excess liquid.
• Small Bowl: Used to catch liquid draining from the mold.
• Serving Plate: For presenting the final dish.
• Small Knife: Helps serve the creamy cheese.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers the mold during refrigeration.
• Zester or Grater: For preparing lemon zest.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

Silky Coeur A La Creme Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy coeur à la crème from Ina Garten blends rich cream cheese with tangy mascarpone for an elegant French-inspired appetizer. Served with fresh berries and crackers, this luxurious spread promises to delight guests at sophisticated gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 (9 oz/255 g) jar Crosse & Blackwell Major Grey’s chutney
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Carr’s Whole Wheat Crackers, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Whip cream cheese in an electric mixer with a whisk attachment on high speed until completely smooth, eliminating all lumps for a silky base.
2. Flavor Infusion: Gradually blend heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the cream cheese on low speed, creating a thick, uniform mixture with vibrant citrus undertones.
3. Molding Process: Line a coeur à la crème mold or sieve with layered cheesecloth, ensuring excess fabric hangs over edges for convenient manipulation and drainage.
4. Setting and Chilling: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into the prepared mold, smoothing the surface evenly. Fold cheesecloth over the top, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 12-16 hours to develop a concentrated, tangy flavor profile.
5. Final Presentation: Remove from refrigerator, discard collected liquid, and carefully invert the crème onto a decorative plate. Peel away cheesecloth and generously crown with chutney, allowing it to artfully drape down the sides. Accompany with crisp crackers and serve immediately.

Notes

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate 12-16 hours to develop a rich, tangy taste and allow the crème to set perfectly.
• Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Whip cream cheese at high speed until completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.
• Drainage is Key: Use a small bowl underneath the mold to catch excess liquid, concentrating flavors and improving overall consistency.
• Elegant Serving Tip: Invert carefully onto a decorative plate and top with chutney, creating a visually stunning appetizer that impresses guests.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 378
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 473 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 111 mg