Ever heard of the Soup Nazi from the Seinfeld episode? Did you know there was also a Dessert Nazi? Yep, that’s what some of my friends and co-workers called me behind my back, some years ago when I worked at a local restaurant. It came as a shock to me that my attention to detail and…um…perfectionism...translated into that nickname. Not what I was going for.
One night I was at said restaurant with a group of my friends and the busboy (poor, dear) was tasked with presenting our table with the dessert tray offerings. The desserts that I had made. Moi, the Dessert Nazi.
When he came to describing the creamy, delightful Panna Cotta he said, “It’s like Italian Jello”. You could have heard a pin drop. Would he live to tell the tale? ...and then, you should have heard my friends laugh!
If you haven’t experienced panna cotta yet, here’s your chance. Italian for “cooked cream”, panna cotta is a simple, yet, oh-so-satisfying custard cooked on the stovetop without eggs. It uses gelatin to allow it to set. (Still no excuse for the young lad.) One of the things I love about cream is how versatile it is and how its flavor and composition change after its heated. *sigh*
There are endless flavor options for panna cotta but this, purist’s favorite, vanilla bean panna cotta recipe is great for beginners. It’s perfect for serving to a group who might have different flavor preferences because you can top it with just about anything you’d like. I chose lemon curd, fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce, Bailey’s, apricot preserves, fresh blueberries, sour cherries…you get the idea.
If you’d like to treat mom, or yourself, this weekend and need a quick idea, then give this a try. Just allow yourself time for the gelatin to set!
Enjoy!
~Christine
Panna Cotta
Skill Level: Beginner
Servings: 5-6
Ingredients:
1/4c cold water, in a heat resistant cup or bowl
1 envelope (2 ½ t) unflavored gelatin
3 c heavy cream
½ sugar
½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
Toppings and garnish of your choice
Instructions:
Spray teacups, ramekins, or parfait glasses lightly with oil spray, set aside on a tray for easy handling.
Sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Set aside and allow water to absorb gelatin (“blooming”).
In a medium sized pot, combine cream, sugar, vanilla seeds, and bean and bring just to scalding point over medium high heat while stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Heat bloomed gelatin in microwave or over low heat just until melted. Add to heated cream mixture; mix well. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into bowl or heat proof pitcher to strain out any lumps and vanilla bean.
Pour into prepared cups and refrigerate uncovered until no longer steaming. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until set; 4 hours-overnight.
Serve topped with desired fruit, sauces, preserves or liquor.
Enjoy!
Still looking for a perfect gift for your baking inspired mom?
Try one of Chris’s favorite kitchen tools!
Assorted Swedish Style Whisks
Offset Spatulas
Silicone Spatulas - WithOUT wooden handles
Silicone Pastry Brush
Microplane Grater & Zester
Danish Dough Whisk
Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Small Offset Serving Spatula