If a dish calls for crème fraiche or sour cream, the best flavor enhancing trick is to make your own! It's easy, more flavorful and much cheaper than store bought crème fraiche and results in a far superior end product. Here is a simple recipe that only requires two ingredients.

1 tablespoon of buttermilk
1 cup of organic heavy whipping cream, preferably not ultrapasturized
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (optional)*

Place whipping cream and buttermilk (and vanilla bean if desired) in an airtight jar, shake it well and let it sit out for at least twelve hours. If it is not thick enough at the end of twelve hours let it sit out until thickened in a warmer area of the kitchen, like near the stove. Once cream is thick refrigerate for at least twenty-four hours before using. If using vanilla bean, take it out before using cream and scrape seeds into crème fraiche stir and serve.

You can also sweeten the crème fraiche for desserts. Add ½ tablespoon to one tablespoon to taste to the crème fraiche and serve with your favorite dessert.

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