Homemade Hand-Whipped Cream

Pour the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract into a large bowl, and whisk using a large balloon whisk. Whisk for approximately 3 –5 minutes, until the cream reaches the soft peak stage. First you will notice the cream form large bubbles on top, then the bubbles will disappear and the cream will start to form ridges. You can test for soft peaks by lifting the whisk straight out of the bowl, inverting it, and seeing that a peak falls ever so slightly to the side. Enjoy! Whipped cream can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple hours.