Tips on Infusing Cream                       
Posted by: cookinteacher Wed, 6 Apr 2005, at 6:50 a.m.

Infusing Cream
It's simple to add bold flavor to a basic custard.


First, choose the flavor ingredient you want to add to the custard. Some good choices are coffee beans (regular or flavored), mint leaves, lavender flowers or citrus peel. Place the cream for the recipe and a small amount of the flavoring ingredient (1/3 cup coffee beans, 1/4 cup mint or lavender, or peel from half of an orange or lemon) in a saucepan; heat the mixture until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan. Remove the saucepan from the heat; cover and let steep 30 minutes or until the cream has taken on the desired flavor. (Taste the cream every so often to make sure the flavor doesn't get too strong.)
Strain the mixture, and then continue using the cream as directed in the recipe.