Have you discovered the wonders of sour cream? Sour cream is great because you can add it to just about anything to get a creamier, richer, or more moist result. I consider it a “pantry essential” as it’s the best way I know of to make a quick dip or add flavor and texture to a flat sauce. Here are a few of my favorite sour cream hints and tips:
A Quick Dip
Combine equal parts sour cream and mayonnaise. Then add chives, bacon and tomatoes for a quick and tasty dip for last minute company.
Creamier Pasta Sauce
Want a pasta sauce that really pops? Use 1/2 cup sour cream to 3 cups red pasta sauce. Stir it in at the last minute for a creamier sauce that has a slight tang. (My kids love this!)
Sour Cream Cakes and Muffins
Sour Cream can be added to any boxed mix for a more flavorful and moist cake. I generally add in about 1/2 cup for a boxed cake mix.
Sour Cream As Topping for Desserts
Sour cream is one of my favorite ways to top cheesecake or as a dip for dessert. Just add about 1/2 cup of sugar to 1 cup of sour cream as a dip for strawberries or as a topping for cheesecake. You can also combine sour cream, confectioner’s sugar, and butter to make a rich and creamy frosting that’s easy to spread.
Simple Stroganoff
Combine cream of mushroom soup, sauteed onions, and canned mushrooms along with a container of sour cream for a simple stroganoff sauce. Pour over egg noodles and add some beef and dinner is done.
Hints
Make sure that sour cream is at room temperature before adding it to hot mixtures. Never bring a mixture to a boil after adding sour cream.
Substitute light sour cream for anything except for when using it in baked goods.
So now you know about the most versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Look soon for other secret ingredients that you need to know about and you need to keep on hand.
Recipes That Use Sour Cream:
Green Beans with Sour Cream and Dill
Potato and Sour Cream Casserole
Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.
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