Slightly sweet, creamy, and full of fresh fruit flavors- this easy recipe for berries and creme anglaise comes together quickly for a crowd-pleasing farm to table dessert. 

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Easy Berries and Cream

One of the things I try to focus on when entertaining for a group is simple, fresh, and colorful foods that will help get the party going- and delight their senses. I also try to keep the food easy to prepare, foods will compliment the wines I am serving, and find items that can be made ahead of time, or come together in just a few minutes- like my all-time favorite dessert Berries and Creme Anglaise.

Berries and Crème Anglaise is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the fresh, sweet flavors of assorted berries with a rich and creamy vanilla sauce. The Crème Anglaise is a luxurious French custard sauce made from sugar, egg yolks, and milk or cream, flavored with vanilla. It is cooked gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture. The sauce is then poured over a bowl of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, creating a contrast between the tartness of the fruit and the sweet, creamy sauce. This dessert is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for special occasions or a sophisticated finish to a meal.

How to make Berries and Creme Anglaise

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Heavy cream (1 cup) – The heavy cream is the base of the Crème Anglaise, providing a rich and luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Derived from vanilla beans, vanilla extract imparts a sweet and aromatic flavor.
• Egg yolks (4) – Egg yolks contribute to the structure, color, and flavor of dishes, and are often used to create emulsions and thickens the sauce.
• White sugar (1/3 cup) – White sugar is dissolved into the mixture, sweetening the Crème Anglaise and balancing the tartness of the berries.
• Berries (3 cups) – A variety of fresh berries provide a burst of juicy flavor and a vibrant pop of color, contrasting wonderfully with the smooth and creamy Crème Anglaise.

Use this Method

Heat. In a small, heavy saucepan, heat cream and vanilla until bubbles form at edges. While cream is heating, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until smooth.

Add Eggs and Beat. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly. Gradually add egg yolk mixture back to remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly.

Simmer. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Plate berries and drizzle creme anglaise on top. Serve warm or cool (I love it cooled).

Tips and Tricks for Berries and French Cream

Crème Anglaise is a velvety, vanilla-flavored custard sauce that can elevate a wide variety of desserts. Achieving the perfect texture and flavor requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make a flawless Crème Anglaise:

Use High-Quality Ingredients:

Fresh Vanilla Bean: For the best flavor, use a fresh vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract. Scrape out the seeds and add them to the milk or cream for an authentic vanilla taste.

Fresh Eggs: Use fresh, high-quality egg yolks for a richer flavor and smoother texture.

Temperature Control:

Warm the Milk/Cream Gently: Heat the milk or cream with the vanilla slowly until it’s just about to simmer, but don’t let it boil.

Temper the Egg Yolks: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk/cream into the beaten egg yolks while whisking constantly. This helps bring the egg yolks up to temperature without cooking them, preventing curdling.

Constant Stirring:

Stir Constantly: Once the egg yolks are tempered and added back to the rest of the milk/cream, stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, making sure to reach the corners of the pan.

Strain the Sauce:

Strain Through a Fine-Mesh Sieve: To ensure a smooth and lump-free sauce, strain the Crème Anglaise through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

Pay Attention to Thickness:

Don’t Overcook: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Use the Spoon Test: Dip a spoon into the sauce, run your finger along the back of the spoon, and if the line holds its shape without the sauce running, it’s done.

Cooling:

Cool Quickly: To stop the cooking process and preserve the texture, place the bowl of Crème Anglaise in an ice bath immediately after straining.

Cover with Plastic Wrap: To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce while it cools.

Flavor Variations:

Experiment with Flavors: Although vanilla is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors such as citrus zest, coffee, chocolate, or spices.

Practice Makes Perfect:

Be Patient and Practice: Making a perfect Crème Anglaise might take a few tries, so be patient and practice the technique.

Use Freshly Made Sauce:

Best Served Fresh: Crème Anglaise is best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to bring back its smooth texture.

Addressing Mistakes:

Fixing Curdled Sauce: If the sauce curdles, you can try to save it by removing it from heat immediately, adding a splash of cold milk, and whisking vigorously.

FAQs

What to Serve with Berries and Creme Anglaise

Crème Anglaise with berries is a delightful and elegant dessert that can be paired with a variety of items to enhance the dining experience. Here are some suggestions for what to serve alongside this sweet treat:

Sponge Cake or Pound Cake:

A light, airy sponge cake or a buttery pound cake can be a perfect base for the berries and Crème Anglaise, soaking up the delicious sauce.

Shortbread Cookies:

Serve with a side of shortbread cookies for a crunchy texture contrast.

Biscotti:

A few pieces of biscotti can add a lovely crunch and additional flavor.

Meringue Nests:

Place the berries and Crème Anglaise inside meringue nests for a sophisticated and visually impressive dessert.

Angel Food Cake:

The lightness of angel food cake pairs well with the rich Crème Anglaise and fresh berries.

Puff Pastry or Phyllo Dough Desserts:

Serve with baked puff pastry or phyllo dough desserts for an added layer of texture.

Chocolate Shavings or Drizzle:

Garnish with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a luxurious touch.

Fresh Mint:

A sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine:

Pair with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for a celebratory touch.

Coffee or Dessert Wine:

Serve with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine to complement the flavors.

Almond Slivers or Toasted Nuts:

Garnish with almond slivers or toasted nuts for an added crunch.

Citrus Zest:

A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest can add a bright, zesty flavor.

Whipped Cream:

A dollop of whipped cream can add an extra layer of creaminess.

Check out more of my favorite recipes here:

Berries and Creme Anglaise Recipe

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