Clotted/ Double Devon Cream in Vancouver

[nondual1]

Does anyone know where to find Clotted Cream or Double Devonshire Cream in the Vancouver, BC area? The thing one spreads on scones? Any tips will be much appreciated!

[KarenDW]

I usually just make some creme fraiche instead. So non-traditional it's nearly heresy.

[poppalarge]

It's quite easy to make yourself, is it not?

[Badiane]

You can usually find it in the dairy case either near the whipping cream or near the cream cheese - always on the top shelf in a tiny bottle with a blue label. Extortionately pricey, tho. I've seen it at Safeway, Urban Fare, Whole Foods and Marketplace IGA stores.

You can also find it at any British specialty store.

Farmhouse Cheese makes a creme fraiche that is a fabulous substitute, if you can get your hands on that, but it's harder to find in the summertime because there is lower milk production and she reserves the bulk of that for cheeses.

I'm intrigued by the idea of making my own...must search out the method!

Edited July 23, 2010 by Badiane (log)

[Matt R.]

Fool proof creme fraiche is 3:1 heavy cream to buttermilk (make sure you use the freshest buttermilk). Mix well, cover and let stand at room temperature or slightly above for 20 hours. Mix well, and refrigerate. Whipped with a little sugar and vanilla you're set for your scones.

-- Matt.

[andiesenji]

Preparing clotted cream is not all that difficult but it does take time.

If you have a good source for NON ultra-pasteurized/homogenized cream then you are in business.

You don't have to hover over the cream for the entire time but a constant source of low temp heat is essential.

My demonstration is on a gas cooktop with a copper slab to keep from having a hot spot worked well for me but I have also used an induction burner and a similar cast iron (enameled) vessel. (Gave that one to my daughter as it matches the colors in her kitchen.)

There are several things that can be substituted. Trader Joe's Greek style yogurt (blue label) is a very nice substitute as it has less "tang" than other brands and is quite dense. With just a small amount of sweetener, such as honey, agave syrup or similar, it goes perfectly with scones, biscuits, crumpets, etc.