Can you use cream that has gone sour in cooking?

Here's why:

* Safety: Sour cream has bacteria growth that can make you sick, even after cooking. The heat of cooking may not kill all the harmful bacteria.

* Taste and Texture: Sour cream's flavor and texture change drastically when it goes bad. It can become overly acidic, bitter, and lumpy, making your dish unpleasant to eat.

* Consistency: The souring process breaks down the cream's fat and protein, making it less thick and more watery. This can negatively impact the texture of your dish.

Alternatives:

Instead of using sour cream that's gone bad, consider these alternatives:

* Use fresh cream: If you have some on hand, it's the safest and most reliable option.

* Substitute with yogurt: Plain yogurt can often be used in place of sour cream, especially in dips and sauces.

* Make your own sour cream: It's surprisingly easy to make your own sour cream using fresh cream and a little bit of lemon juice or buttermilk.

In summary: While you might be tempted to use up sour cream to avoid waste, it's best to err on the side of caution and use fresh cream or a substitute instead.