Whipped Cream

With hand beater or mixer at medium speed, beat well-chilled heavy or whipping cream just until soft or stiff peaks from, depending on use. (Overbeating causes cream to turn to butter.) On hot days, chill bowl and beaters. Cream doubles in volume when beaten.

Sweetened Whipped Cream: For each cup heavy or whipping cream, add 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or dry sherry to taste. Beat as above.

Chocolate Whipped Cream: Place 2 tablespoons instant cocoa mix (or 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons cocoa) in small bowl; add 1 cup heavy or whipping cream. With hand beater or mixer at low speed, beat until soft peaks from.