Sophisticated Cream

DEAR SOS: In many restaurants a sauce, almost like a thin whipped cream, is served as a “liner” for cakes and puddings. What is the name of the sauce and can you get the recipe?

ABBIE JAYE

Sherman Oaks

DEAR ABBIE: The sauce is called creme anglaise and often accompanies puddings, cakes and fruit desserts. It can be prepared ahead and stored in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator up to two days. Sometimes gelatin is added to keep the consistency thick, but we prefer this version without gelatin.

Creme Anglaise

Active Work Time: 30 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 2 hours

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

2 cups milk

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

* Scrape vanilla bean seeds into milk in heavy saucepan. Scald milk over medium-high heat, then set aside.

* Whisk egg yolks and sugar in top of double boiler until frothy and pale. Place over simmering water and cook gently, stirring constantly, until yolks are warmed through, about 5 minutes.

* Gradually pour scalded milk into egg mixture, stirring constantly over low heat, until cream coats back of metal spoon, about 10 minutes.

* Strain cream into clean bowl. Place bowl into bowl of ice and stir until cool. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

2 cups. Each tablespoon: 31 calories; 9 mg sodium; 52 mg cholesterol; 1 gram fat; 4 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram protein; 0 fiber.

The Getty’s Pacifier

DEAR SOS: When the cafeteria line at the Getty Center gets too long, the staff hands out large Rice Krispies treats to the patrons. They are the best I’ve ever had and tasted a little different somehow than the cereal box recipe. Can you find the secret?

NANCY ROGERS

Los Angeles

DEAR NANCY: Gwen Kvavli Gulliksen, the executive chef at the Getty Center, graciously provided this recipe.

Getty Center Rice Krispies Squares

Active Work Time: 10 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 20 minutes * Easy * Quick * Low-Fat

The only difference between the recipe for these Rice Krispie treats and the recipe on the cereal box or marshmallow bag is that it calls for butter instead of margarine.

3 tablespoons butter

10 ounces marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies or other puffed rice cereal

* Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Add Rice Krispies and stir until well incorporated.

* Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking pan and spread evenly. Cut into squares or triangles.

* Variation: Melt 2 peanut butter-chocolate cup candies with marshmallows.

24 squares. Each square: 135 calories; 275 mg sodium; 4 mg cholesterol; 2 grams fat; 28 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein; 0.06 grams fiber.