How to Make Panna Cotta
This popular Italian dessert is striking and elegant yet very easy to make. Try it the next time you have dinner guests.
Instructions
- Step 1: Dissolve the gelatin Add the gelatin to the water in a small saucepan. Heat gently and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Then remove from heat.
- TIP: Use more gelatin to get a firmer panna cotta.
- Step 2: Boil the cream Bring the cream, half and half, and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Step 3: Add the vanilla and gelatin Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and gelatin mixture. Stir to combine.
- TIP: For richer flavor, split half a vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the cream before heating.
- Step 4: Pour into molds Pour the mixture into custard cups or ramekins.
- Step 5: Chill Chill until set, at least six hours or overnight.
- Step 6: Unmold Dip each mold into hot water for a few seconds to loosen, and then invert your panna cotta onto a plate.
- Step 7: Serve Serve with fresh berries, fruit sauce, or chocolate sauce.
- FACT: Most pills contain gelatin either as a binding agent or a coating.
You Will Need
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1 c. half and half
- 2 c. heavy cream
- u2153 c. sugar
- 1u00bd tsp. vanilla extract
- 6 small custard cups or ramekins
- Fresh berries or fruit sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Additional gelatin (optional)
- u00bd vanilla bean (optional)