Why did cream curdle when added to ale broth for mussels?

littleknitter added about 2 years ago

It curdles because it's coming into contact with an acid, aka alcohol - the acid, particularly when combined with heat, makes the casein in milk products coagulate. It's the same process as cheesmaking.

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pierino is a trusted source on General Cooking and Tough Love.

added about 2 years ago

Your first thought about off heat was correct. And whisk it in slowly don't just pour it in all at once because after that it's hopeless.

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littleknitter added about 2 years ago

Oh, and yes, the heat definitely makes a difference. Heat cause the curds to expel whey because they contract, thus expediting the curdling process. I suspect that the added heat from forgetting to turn off the burner contributed to the curdling and the difference in acidity between beers may also have been crucial to whether or not the sauce curdled.

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theyearinfood added about 2 years ago

Thanks so much, guys! Question answered. Foodpickle is awesome.

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