Cement Dishes: 5 Simple Recipes You'll Love

If you're looking to explore new culinary horizons, cement dishes might just be the intriguing and unique addition to your cooking repertoire you've been searching for. While it might sound unusual, cement can be utilized in creative ways in the kitchen. Here are five simple recipes that incorporate cement-like properties or textures, designed to pique your curiosity and tantalize your taste buds.

1. Cement Clafoutis

Clafoutis is a classic French dessert, traditionally made with cherries. This version introduces a ‘cement-like’ texture by using a thicker batter:

• Ingredients: 3 eggs, 1 cup sugar, ³⁄₄ cup flour, 1 cup milk, ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder, pinch of salt, and 3 cups of cherries.
• Method:
  1. Mix eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth.
  2. Gradually add milk, then baking powder and salt.
  3. Place cherries in a buttered and floured dish. Pour batter over, ensuring cherries are well covered to create that thick, dense texture.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.

⚙️ Note: Ensure to butter the dish well to prevent the ‘cement’ from sticking.

2. Cement Cheesecake

This cheesecake recipe mimics the look and feel of cement with its dense, crack-free texture:

• Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, ¹⁄₄ cup sugar, ¹⁄₄ cup melted butter, 3 (8oz) packages cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, and lemon zest for added flavor.
• Method:
  1. Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended. Fold in sour cream and zest.
  4. Pour over crust, smooth the top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes or until edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.

3. Concrete Pudding

Surprisingly, you can create a pudding with a concrete-like texture, perfect for a no-fuss dessert:

• Ingredients: ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch, ¹⁄₂ cup sugar, 4 cups milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, a pinch of salt.
• Method:
  1. Whisk together cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a heavy-bottomed pot.
  2. Gradually add milk, stirring to avoid lumps.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes dense.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and pour into serving dishes. Let cool, then refrigerate.

4. Faux Cement Cookies

These cookies have a texture reminiscent of cement but with a surprisingly light taste:

• Ingredients: 2 ¹⁄₄ cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, ¹⁄₂ tsp salt, 1 cup butter, ³⁄₄ cup sugar, ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 eggs, 2 cups chocolate chips.
• Method:
  1. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and eggs one at a time.
  3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden.

💡 Note: For a ‘concrete’ effect, press the dough onto the baking sheet to form a flat, dense cookie.

5. Salted Caramel Concrete Cake

This cake has a solid, heavy texture akin to cement, but its rich, sweet flavor will win you over:

• Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, ¹⁄₂ cup butter, ¹⁄₂ cup water, ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream, 1 cup caramel sauce, sea salt for sprinkling.
• Method:
  1. Mix flour, sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
  2. Remove from heat, add cream, and stir until combined.
  3. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  4. Once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.

These innovative recipes not only challenge traditional cooking methods but also introduce an element of fun and surprise into your kitchen. Whether it's the dense yet delicate texture of Clafoutis or the unexpected solidity of a 'Concrete' cake, each dish is designed to provide a unique sensory experience. The key takeaway here is not just the novelty of these 'cement' dishes but also the joy of experimenting with flavors and textures that defy expectations.

What does ‘cement-like’ texture mean in these recipes?

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The ‘cement-like’ texture in these recipes refers to the dense, solid, and sometimes unexpectedly heavy texture of the dishes, which mimics the appearance or consistency of cement. However, the taste and flavor are far from anything like actual cement.

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?

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Yes, these recipes are designed to be simple enough for beginners, focusing on basic techniques with a twist to achieve unique textures. Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll enjoy the process as much as the result.

Can these dishes be made ahead of time?

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Yes, most of these dishes can be prepared in advance. Clafoutis, cheesecakes, and pudding, in particular, often taste better after setting in the refrigerator overnight. Cookies and cakes can also be stored well but might lose some texture if left out for too long.