We had quite a treat the other night. A restaurant we especially love here on the Island has pick up dinners two nights a week. The Snohomish kids ordered dinner for us and G went and picked it up. We had wonderful halibut, clams and mussels; an onion tart; and something I had never had before: panna cotta. There was no plate licking, but that was only because we showed amazing restrain.
I’m going to attempt Panna Cotta. How hard can it be? Wow, I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve said that in the past. I’ve been researching recipes and I’m ready to give it a go. Since I can’t go to the grocery store right now, I had to wait and order gelatin from Amazon. Thank God for Amazon. I’ve not really used gelatin before either.
- 1/4 cup cold water or milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g/0.25 oz.) unflavored powdered gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeded, or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place water or the milk in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the surface in a single layer. Be sure not to pile it as that will prevent the crystals from dissolving properly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes to soften. Why yes, it does look like a bowl of brains.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat cream, sugar, vanilla pod, and vanilla seeds on medium heat and bring just to a boil until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and discard vanilla bean. Stir in gelatin and immediately whisk until smooth and dissolved. If the gelatin hasn’t fully dissolved, return the saucepan to the stove and heat gently over low heat. Stir constantly and don’t let the mixture boil.
- Pour cream into 4 individual serving dishes. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until completely set.
* From the Recipe Box:
This is very similar to custard, but much silkier. We loved it. The top picture looks like brains to me, but it’s the gelatin softening in the milk.
I went with this recipe because I did not have any half and half. Remember, no extra store trips. I may try the other one at a future date.
and remember this Chinese Proverb: If you don’t want anyone to find out, don’t do it. Big kiss, Lynn
From the Recipe Box 