Norwegian Multekrem

 

Multekrem is a dessert that is initially difficult to make outside of Norway. The reason is that you need a fruit called "cloudberries" that I have only seen in that country. It is similar to the blackberry we know in the rest of Europe except for is orange in color and quite sour in taste. If we do without this fruit, , impossible to find outside of its marshes,  using blueberries or berries, it becomes a very simple dessert.

INGREDIENTS (serves 4)

• 2 cups of blueberries or  berries (can be fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 cups of heavy cream (about 400 ml) with 35-38% fat content
• 70 grams (half a cup) of powdered sugar (for medium sweetness, 3/4 cup or 100 grams for extra sweet)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, cook the blueberries with sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the blueberries or berries soften and release their juices, forming a kind of compote. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Allow the blueberry compote to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.

In a large bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. To speed up this process, it is best to have it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Halfway through, add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form and everything is well dissolved. Be careful not to overbeat the cream as it would turn into butter. Consider yourselves warned.

With gentle and enveloping movements, fold the blueberry compote into the whipped cream. Make sure it is well mixed, but avoid overmixing to maintain a fluffy texture. In many cases, people prefer to pour the compote on top without mixing. It's a matter of taste.

Transfer the mixture to individual bowls or a large serving dish. Refrigerate the multekrem for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the dessert to set.

Just before serving, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for decoration, but only if you have opted to layer the compote on the cream. If everything is mixed together, adding powdered sugar won't even be noticeable.

It is quite common to serve it in a cookie bowl, although it can also be served in a glass or small bowl.

It's delicious, even if you don't have cloudberries!