Step 1

Pour cream (and optional ingredients if using) into stand mixer bowl and use wire whisk attachment to begin beating.

Step 2

Beat at a speed around #6 for 1 minute. Stop and check if peaks are starting to form. Beat another 30 seconds and check again. Check every 30 seconds until peaks are to your desired consitency.Soft peaks will barely hold their shape when the whisk is lifted out of the bowl (they will droop). Stiff peaks will hold their shape (see illustrations)