Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis

Jan 7, 2014

Panna Cotta is a simple, easy to make classic Italian dessert. This creamy custard is velvety smooth and when served with fresh strawberry coulis, Panna Cotta makes a sweet ending to any meal.

Ingredients:

•     1 1/2 cups milk;
•     1 (.25 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
•     1 1/2 cups whipping cream
•     1/4 cup white sugar
•     2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the coulis:

•     1 quart fresh strawberries, quartered
•     2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•     1/4 cup sugar
•     1/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Add the milk to a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the milk. Let mixture sit until the gelatin dissolves; about 5 minutes. Mix the cream and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in the gelatin mixture; cook and stir until the gelatin mixture is absorbed completely (about 3 minutes). Add the vanilla extract; stir and then remove mixture from heat. Pour the cream mixture into a bowl or individual molds; cover and chill for at least 4 hours.

To make the strawberry coulis: Add strawberries, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup water to a saucepan. Simmer over low heat; stirring and crushing the strawberries in the sauce until the sugar has dissolved completely and the sauce has thickened – about 10 minutes; then let it cool.

To serve: Remove chilled panna cotta from the refrigerator. Dip the bowl or molds of refrigerated panna cotta in warm water to loosen the custard. Unmold onto a serving plate and spoon the strawberry coulis over the panna cotta. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.