cremeux

No need for gelatin in this whipped banana custard that's thickened with cornstarch and lightened by cream.

Light and Silky Banana Cr&#233;meux Recipe

banana

vanilla bean

sugar

cornstarch (a shy 1/3 cup; 35 grams)

(.5 grams) ground cloves

egg yolk (from about 10 large eggs; 140 grams)

vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons; 7 grams)

heavy cream (about 1 1/2 cups; 340 grams)

Infuse the Milk: Combine milk, sliced banana, and empty vanilla bean pod (if using) in 3-quart stainless steel saucier and bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring from time to time with flexible spatula to prevent scorching along bottom. When dairy comes to a simmer, remove from heat, cover and let cool to room temperature, about 4 hours. Proceed to next step, or refrigerate up to 24 hours to extract stronger banana flavor. The exact timing will depend on both personal preference and convenience. 

Make the Custard: Return banana milk to simmer over medium heat, stirring as before; then strain through fine-mesh sieve into medium bowl. Press gently on banana pulp to release liquid, but don't allow pulp to pass through sieve. Pulp can be refrigerated to use in muffins, pancakes, or smoothies, but it will not benefit the custard. If using vanilla pod, scrape out flavorful milk inside each half with flexible spatula before discarding. 

Using the same 3-quart saucier as before (no need to wash), whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cloves together until well combined, followed by egg yolks. Whisk in infused milk. Return to stovetop and warm over medium-low heat, whisking gently until custard is steaming hot, about 5 minutes. 

Increase heat to medium and continue cooking until the custard thickens, about 5 minutes more. When it begins to bubble, set timer and continue whisking for 90 seconds. This step is important to neutralize starch-dissolving protein found in egg yolks. Off-heat, stir in vanilla extract and season to taste with additional vanilla, salt, or cloves. If desired, strain custard through same sieve as before (again, no need to wash) to remove bits of chalazae that may remain or any accidentally curdled custard. Scrape into large glass or ceramic baking dish; then cover and refrigerate until firm and cold, at least 2 hours, although timing will vary. Alternatively, the prepared custard can be refrigerated up to one week.

Finishing the Crémeux: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip cream to stiff peaks. Meanwhile, use flexible spatula to stir chilled custard until smooth and soft (this can be done right in the baking dish or in a separate bowl if you prefer). Add about 1/3 of the cream to banana custard; then fold and stir until smooth before folding in remaining whipped cream. Transfer to disposable piping bag fitted with a large star tip and divide between serving dishes. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until needed, up to 24 hours. Pair with toasted nuts, cocoa nibs, fresh fruit, unsweetened whipped cream, or whatever toppings you desire.

The flavor and color of this emerald green mousse comes from fresh basil, ground to a pulp with sugar, then steeped into an eggless custard base. White chocolate plays a supporting role, adding richness and body, while melding seamlessly with the herbal aroma. It's as creamy and light as a mousse should be, and the perfect showcase for fresh summer fruit, like strawberries, apricots, and nectarines.

Fresh Basil Mousse Recipe

To Bloom the Gelatin:

unflavored gelatin powder,

For the Mousse:

sugar (about 1/2 cup; 100 grams)

basil

heavy cream (about 1 cup; 225 grams)

fruit,

Pine nuts

To Bloom the Gelatin: In a small ramekin, mix gelatin with milk, stirring with a fork to break up the lumps.

Meanwhile, for the Mousse: In the bowl of a food processor, combine sugar and basil, then grind until reduced to wet pulp. In a 2-quart stainless steel saucier, combine basil-sugar with salt, white chocolate, and approximately one-third of the milk. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly with a flexible spatula, until the white chocolate has fully dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch, but not simmering. Remove from heat, add prepared gelatin, and stir until fully melted. 

Using a fine-mesh strainer set over a large heat-proof bowl, strain mixture, pressing on the basil solids with a flexible spatula to extract as much liquid as possible without forcing the pulp through the sieve; discard basil solids. Stir in the remaining milk, then cover and refrigerate until firm and cold, about 3 hours or to a temperature of 40°F (4°C). Alternatively, the mixture can be refrigerated for up to 12 hours.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the chilled base on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 90 seconds; if needed, use a flexible spatula to remove any remaining lumps by smearing them against the side of the bowl. Scrape the smooth base back into its original bowl.

Add the cream to the stand mixer bowl (no need to wash) and whip with the whisk attachment until thick and stiff, about 3 minutes, although this will vary depending on the power of the mixer. Once thick, roughly fold approximately half the whipped cream into the basil mixture; then add the remainder and fold gently to combine. Transfer to a disposable pastry bag, snip off 1/4-inch from the tip, then pipe into serving dishes. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour, or until needed, up to 12 hours. Serve with fresh fruit, sliced and macerated with sugar to taste, and/or nuts if you'd like.

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