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:
- 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.
- 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.
