Culture Magazine

ENTERTAINING 202 3 culturecheesemag.com 61 RECIPES EARL GREY–POACHED DATES OVER CARAMEL CRÈME FRAÎCHE Serves 4 ½ cup granulated sugar 1¼ cups water, divided ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for serving ½ cup crème fraîche, at room temperature 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 Earl Grey tea bags, or 2 teaspoons loose Earl Grey tea 12 Medjool dates, halved lengthwise and pitted ½ cup heavy cream 6 gingersnap cookies, crushed fAdd sugar, ¼ cup of water, and flaky sea salt to a medium saucepan over medium heat and swirl occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture is clear, glossy, and just beginning to bubble, about 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, undisturbed, until sugar begins to turn golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. fSwirl gently a few times to ensure sugar is cooking evenly and continue cooking until sugar is dark amber, about 1 minute more. Immediately remove pan from heat and very carefully (mixture will bubble up aggressively) whisk in crème fraîche until smooth. Add butter and vanilla and whisk until butter has melted and caramel is smooth. Pour into a medium heatproof bowl and transfer to refrigerator, stirring occasionally to hasten cooling, and chill until at least room temperature, about 30 minutes. fBoil 1 cup water in a small saucepan over high heat. Remove from heat, add tea, and steep for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags or, if using loose tea, strain through a sieve, discard leaves, and return tea to the saucepan. fBring tea to a boil over high heat, add dates, reduce heat to medium- low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until dates have plumped and liquid has reduced by over half, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. fOnce caramel is no longer warm, pour heavy cream into a large bowl and beat on medium-high until soft peaks form, 3 to 5 minutes. Gently fold in caramel until just combined. fDivide caramel whipped cream mixture among 4 shallow dessert bowls or plates. Use a slotted spoon to divide poached dates among bowls. If there is any poaching liquid left in the saucepan, drizzle a bit over dates. Sprinkle with crushed gingersnaps and garnish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. @mariekegouda For more pairing ideas, visit or scan this QR code! mariekegouda.com Recipe Idea This recipe uses Gouda Cheese Spread to make a creamy white sauce to spread on the crust; its seasoned with a little garlic. Then it's topped with stretchy mozzarella, Marieke Gouda cheese, and spinach. Pizza Bianca with a twist! Serendipity Serendipity Blue Blue Cheese Cheese Olives Olives For bringing For bringing people people together together @shaftscheese | shaftscheese.com 1-Year 1-Year Aged Blue Aged Blue Ellie's Vintage Ellie's Vintage 2-Year Aged 2-Year Aged Blue Blue

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