The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Q: I’m planning to make Mrs. McCarthy’s strawberry scones, and part of the recipe is making clotted cream to spread on the finished scones. That’s accomplished by cooking heavy cream at a low temperature in the oven, but it can’t be ultra-pasteurized cream. I can’t find heavy cream or whipping cream that isn’t ultra-pasteurized. Maybe it’s an English thing? I know I can buy premade clotted cream at English shops, but I’d like fresh. I’ve tried the usual grocery stores to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks so much! — Fran Russell, Roswell
A: For cooking purposes, pasteurized and ultra-pasteurized cream are not interchangeable. Ultra-Pasteurized cream, the type most commonly found in supermarkets, is cream that has been heated to 280 degrees for only two seconds before refrigeration. This gives the cream a shelf life of up to 60 days if unopened. Pasteurized cream is heated to 167 degrees for 15 seconds, and it has a much shorter shelf life of just under 20 days. Ultra-pasteurized cream lasts longer because the higher temperature kills bacteria that can cause spoilage. What pasteurized creams gives up in shelf life, it makes up with a fresher flavor. The reason a lot of stores don’t carry pasteurized cream is because of that shorter shelf life. However, you can have those scones with freshly made clotted cream if you visit Whole Foods, 2800 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-534-3138. The store stocks quarts of Harrisburg Dairies fresh heavy cream for $5.99. You’ll find them on the top shelf of the dairy section.
Q: First, I want to thank you. You’ve been very helpful in finding items or services that I’ve needed. Now, I’m looking for scrapbook paper by Graphic 45, Sun Kissed, 12-by12. There was a source listed on Etsy, but they did not ship to Georgia. I thought that was odd. At any rate, could you help me again? Thank you. — Shirley Payne, Kennesaw
A: Thank you for reading, Shirley. Although that pattern is retired, I found some stock for you on eBay. Graphic 45 Sun Kissed Collection, patterns and solids, 12-by-12 paper pad sells for $9.95 each, not including shipping. The seller ships to all states. When I checked, there were seven in stock. The seller’s store name is The Cats Meow Shoppe.
Q: My father-in-law loves souse sandwiches, but I can’t seem to find this in my local meat section. I’d like to get some for him, but I’m not sure where to look. He lives near McDonough. Thank you. — K. Miller, email
A: Ingles Market, 3701 Walt Stephens Road, Stockbridge, 770507-1230, is where you’ll find a steady supply of souse. The store stocks Jenkins Country souse in 1-pound packages for $2.88 each.