When you’re craving the taste of Italy, you may want to consider making panna cotta (which translates into ‘cooked cream’) – a sweet treat generally associated with the Northern Italian region of Piermonte. This custard-like pudding dessert is made by simmering together cream, milk and sugar that is then mixed with gelatin. To get ideas of how to make and flavor your own, consider the following recipe:
Panna Cotta Recipe
This recipe makes six servings and should be served chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 package unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold milk
- 2 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (icing or powdered)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
1. Grease six small custard cups, ramekins, or individual molds. Use melted butter or almond oil.
2. Place the gelatin and cold milk in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Combine cream and sugar in a saucepan. Bring ingredients to a boil while stirring to dissolve the powdered sugar.
4. Once the cream becomes very hot, remove the saucepan, and then stir in gelatin mixture and vanilla until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Sometimes it is necessary to return the pan to the stove over low heat to make sure all gelatin particles have dissolved.
5. Pour the cream into prepared molds. Transfer the dessert cups to the refrigerator. Chill for 2 to 4 hours, or until the dessert has set. When you are ready to reveal your tasty treat, dip the mold into hot water for a few seconds, and then invert onto a plate.
Ways to Flavor Your Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is typically served with caramel, wild berries, chocolate sauce, and other fruity accompaniments, such as poached fruit. Strawberries and raspberries are a popular fruit paired with the sweet treat. Sometimes, panna cotta is flavored with spices.
