Panna Cotta Recipe

A Classic Italian Dessert

Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert. This is a melt in your mouth dessert. If you like creamy and vanilla, you will love this dessert! In Italian, Panna Cotta means “cooked cream”. And, that’s exactly what we are doing here in this recipe.

While this is created and shown with fresh strawberries, you can substitute your favorite fruit here such as blueberries, raspberries or peaches. Or, if you prefer straight up vanilla, it is very good on its own.

Tools you will need here:

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Spoons
• Serving cups

Ingredients you will need:

• Unflavored gelatin
• Water
• Heavy whipping cream
• Half and half
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract or Vanilla Bean
• Fresh strawberries
• Fresh mint leaves
• Limoncello (or fresh lemon juice)
• Confectioners’ sugar

Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberries Recipe

• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups half and half
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR 1/2 split vanilla bean (beans*)

*If using the vanilla beans, scrape the 1/2 split vanilla bean and set aside until ready to use

Directions:

In a large saucepan bring cream and half and half just to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly, careful not to scorch. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, add the cold water and sprinkle unflavored gelatin. Combine and let stand for a minute or so (until it looks ‘gummy’) and then heat over low heat until it becomes a liquid. Remove from heat and pour into the hot cream, adding the sugar and vanilla extract OR vanilla beans, stirring until sugar dissolves. Divide mixture into eight 1/2 cup ramekins and cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Refrigerate overnight for best results.

Serve as they are or invert. To invert ramekins, dip into a bowl of hot water for 3-4 seconds, then run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert onto the center of a small plate. Serve and garnish with fresh fruit (strawberries) below.

*Note – this can make one large dessert or one large mold if you prefer.

Macerated Fresh Strawberries

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons Limoncello (or fresh lemon juice may be substituted)
• Fresh mint sprigs, optional

Combine in a 3-cup bowl, cover and let macerate overnight for best results. Serve over Panna Cotta.

Whipping Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped until stiff peaks form. Then add:
• 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whip until well combined. Use immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Dollop or pipe over strawberries.