Best Savory Crème Fraîche Recipes

SAVORY PUMPKIN PIE SOUP WITH CINNAMON MARSHMALLOWS, PEPITA STREUSEL, AND WHIPPED CRèME FRAîCHE

Steps:

• Make the pumpkin soup:
• Wrap the cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick, allspice berries, peppercorns, and fresh ginger in cheesecloth and secure with kitchen string.
• In a large heavy pot over moderate heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, garlic, celery, and leeks and sauté until translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the pumpkin, 2 quarts water, and the spice package and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer uncovered until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
• Remove and discard the spice package. Working in small batches, ladle the soup into a blender and purée until smooth. Transfer to a clean large pot then sprinkle with nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve. DO AHEAD: Soup can be made in advance and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 3 days. Reheat in a large pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally.
• Make the cinnamon marshmallows:
• In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine marshmallows and cinnamon and gently toss to coat the marshmallows in cinnamon. DO AHEAD: Marshmallows can be prepared in advance and stored, in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days.
• Make the pepita streusel:
• Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the butter and, using your hands, rub the ingredients together until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add the pepitas and toss to combine. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the streusel to a rack to cool, then break it into roughly 1-inch pieces. DO AHEAD: Streusel can be made in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days.
• Make the whipped crème fraîche:
• In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream and crème fraîche. Whisk until light and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Whipped crème fraîche can be made in advance and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 2 hours.
• To serve:
• Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with the streusel, marshmallows, and dollops of whipped crème fraîche.

SAVORY SWEET POTATO GRATINS WITH CREME FRAICHE, ONIONS, AND BACO

Steps:

• Lightly grease 2 individual baking dishes (that hold roughly 1 1/2 cups) or an 8 x 8 baking pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a small saute pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove from heat, and toss with onion and garlic.
• In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, and cook until the mixture is well combined but still pale. Stir in the milk and the creme fraiche.
• Reduce the heat to low and bring the bechamel to a simmer. Stir in nutmeg, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Layer 4-6 slices of potato at the base of each of the prepared baking dishes. Top with a few tablespoons of bechamel, and a few spoonfuls of the bacon mixture. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, another layer of bechamel, and more bacon. Top with one last layer of potatoes, and spoon remaining bechamel over the top. Finish with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese.
• Bake the gratins until they are bubbly around the edges and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

SAVORY CRèME FRAîCHE

Steps:

• Using a mortar and pestle, pound the savory leaves to a paste. Add the crème fraîche and use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and combine well. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.