Introduction
Have you ever run out of half and half at the worst possible time, like when you’re trying to make the perfect cup of coffee or a creamy soup? Fear not! We’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore different methods for making half and half at home, including traditional, dairy-free, infused flavors, nut milk, and easy quick options.
The Traditional Method
The classic approach to making half and half involves combining equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream. This method ensures the right balance of fat content and results in a creamy texture.
To ensure the best result, select a high-fat heavy cream, ensuring that its fat content is at least 36%. Also, whisk the cream and milk together until they combine and serve it both chilled and bring it to room temperature before using it.
The Dairy-Free Approach
If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer non-dairy options, you can easily make half and half by using alternative milks like almond milk or coconut milk, and coconut cream. Always make sure to select a plain, unsweetened, and unflavored milk since the flavor will be affected by what you mix in.
The non-dairy route may have potential benefits like low calories, plant-based ingredients, and convenience; however, it can have its drawbacks like thinner texture and taste variations. But the benefit is that it comes with an amazing array of recipe ideas such as creamy soups and smoothies.
Flavor Infusions
If you want to create custom blends of half and half with flavorful additions, this method is for you. You can add some familiar flavors like vanilla or cinnamon, or get extra creative and try cardamom or lavender. You can also experiment with savory flavors and try adding black pepper or turmeric to complement your foods.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to flavor pairing, and once you have your desired flavor, you can refrigerate it for 3-5 days.
Homemade Nut Milks as a Base
The nut milk version of half and half involves making a homemade nut milk, such as cashew or hazelnut, as the base for your blend. Use non-dairy milk as the other half, and you can avoid the added extra calories and sugar that come with the store-bought version.
This method does require some prep work, but the benefits include full control of ingredients, superior taste, and texture.
Quick and Easy Options
If you haven’t had the chance to whip up homemade half and half and can’t risk running out, you can always use the quick and easy route, even if it means sacrificing creaminess.
One method you can try is whisking heavy cream with skim milk or even regular milk, or if really struggling, substitute evaporated milk for the half and half. These methods can be used interchangeably, yet you may trade-off in texture and richness.
Conclusion
Making half and half at home is simple and versatile, and now you have different methods to choose from, including dairy-free, flavor infusion, and even nut milk.