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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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