Panna Cotta - Easy Dessert for a Sunday Meal

PANNA COTTA

 

Panna cotta, a molded chilled dessert popular throughout Italy, is easy to make and can be prepared in advance.  It looks and tastes wonderful with ripe red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or purees.  Can also be topped with sugar and bruleed.

Serves 8

 

INGREDIENTS

1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 1 tablespoon)

2 Tbsp. cold water

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup half and half

1/3 cup sugar

1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract

 

DIRECTIONS

1- In a very small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over water and let stand about 1 minute to soften.   Heat gelatin mixture over low heat until gelatin is dissolved and remove pan from heat.

2- In a large saucepan bring cream, half and half, and sugar just to a boil over moderately high heat, stirring.

3- Remove pan from heat and stir in gelatin mixture and vanilla.

4- Divide cream mixture among eight ½ -cup ramekins and cool to room temperature.  Chill ramekins, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Dip ramekins, 1 at a time, into a bowl of hot water 3 seconds.  Run a thin knife around edge of each ramekin and invert ramekin onto center of a small plate.  Top with your favorite berries, topping, etc. and serve.