Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit

Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit is a delightful and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the smooth texture of cream of wheat with the tartness of gooseberries to create a unique and delicious treat.

History

This recipe has its origins in the traditional Charlotte dessert, which is a type of pudding or cake that is typically made with fruit and a bread or sponge cake base. The addition of cream of wheat adds a creamy and comforting element to the dish, making it a perfect dessert for any time of year.

Ingredients

25 oz / 750 g of water
1 lb / 500 g of fruit (sour cherries or raspberries, strawberries, wild strawberries, gooseberries)
3 – 4 tbsp of sugar
5 oz / 150 g of cream of wheat
vanilla

How to prepare

Boil the fruits.
After the mixture comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Then, strain the fruits and liquid.
In a separate pot, bring the strained mixture to a boil again. Add sugar, vanilla, and cream of wheat gradually, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
Remove the pot from the heat and beat the mixture until it becomes foamy.
Pour the mixture into a charlotte or pudding mold that has been moistened with cold water.
Refrigerate the mold for 2 – 3 hours.
Before serving, carefully turn the mold upside down onto a plate and garnish with fresh fruit.

Variations

Try using different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of rum or brandy to the mixture for a boozy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the mixture continuously when adding the cream of wheat to prevent lumps from forming.

- Refrigerate the mold for at least 2-3 hours to allow the dessert to set properly.

- Garnish with fresh fruit before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit chilled, garnished with fresh fruit such as berries or mint leaves.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this dessert is to continuously stir the mixture when adding the cream of wheat to prevent lumps from forming. Be sure to beat the mixture until it becomes foamy before pouring it into the mold.

Ingredient Substitutions

If gooseberries are not available, you can use any other tart fruit such as rhubarb or cranberries. You can also substitute cream of wheat with semolina or cornmeal.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to garnish with fresh fruit before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit in individual ramekins or molds for a more elegant presentation. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine such as Moscato or Riesling. It also goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of Vitamin C, thanks to the gooseberries used in the recipe. It also contains iron and calcium from the cream of wheat.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the cream of wheat. It may also contain dairy if cream is used as a garnish.

Summary

Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit is a delicious and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of cookbooks and recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I flipped through the yellowing pages and faded ink, I came across a small, handwritten note tucked away in the back of a book titled "Southern Comfort Foods."

The note was written in elegant script, and it detailed a recipe for Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of creamy cereal and fresh fruit sounded intriguing. I knew I had to try it.

I decided to make the dish for my family that evening, and as I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions, I couldn't help but think about the person who had written the note. Who were they? Where had they learned this recipe? What memories were attached to this dish?

As the creamy mixture simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I thought about my own childhood, spent in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, learning the art of cooking and baking. I remembered the stories they would tell me as we worked side by side, passing down recipes and traditions from generation to generation.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and brought it to the table. My family's eyes lit up with curiosity as they took their first bites, and I held my breath, waiting for their reactions.

To my delight, they loved it. The creamy texture of the cereal paired perfectly with the sweet, juicy fruits, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that was unlike anything we had ever tasted before. As we savored each spoonful, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of our family's culinary repertoire.

In the days and weeks that followed, I found myself making Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit more and more often. It became a staple at our breakfast table, a comforting and nourishing dish that brought us together as a family.

As I continued to make the dish, I couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious hand that had written the note in the old cookbook. I imagined them in their own kitchen, lovingly preparing this dish for their own family, passing down a piece of themselves through the simple act of cooking.

I felt a connection to this unknown cook, a sense of kinship that transcended time and space. Through this recipe, I had become a part of something bigger, a culinary tradition that stretched back through the generations, linking me to those who had come before me.

And so, as I sit here now, savoring a bowl of Charlotte-style Cream of Wheat with Fruit, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous moment that brought this recipe into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

And as I pass this recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I know that it will continue to weave its magic through our family, bringing us together in love and memory, one delicious spoonful at a time.