Grandpa Joe's
Panna Cotta

Another example of an "Italian" dessert that may be more common in the United States than in Italy.

About this recipe

Panna Cotta (cooked cream) is a simple dessert made with sweetened cream that has been thickened with gelatin.  It is thought to derive from the Piedmont Region of Italy, but no reference to Panna Cotta dating before the 1960s has been identified. 

It is a versatile dessert in that in can be served with honey, caramel or  chocolate sauce, or fresh berries, and that's just the starter list!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 4 teaspoons powdered gelatin

Directions

  1. Heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan to a simmer, but do not let the cream boil.  Stir well to ensure the sugar is dissolved completely.  Remove from the heat.
  2. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.  Add the pod pieces and seeds to the hot cream, cover, and let stand for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Lightly oil eight ramekins with a neutral-tasting oil.
  4. Using a large bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold milk and let stand for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the vanilla bean pods, reheat the cream to a simmer, and pour over the gelatin.  Stir until the gelatin is dissolved completely.
  6. Pour the cream mixture into the oiled ramekins and let cool to room temperature.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, or at least four hours.
  7. To serve, run a sharp knife around the inside edge of the ramekin and invert the ramekin onto a serving plate.
  8. Garnish with your favorite fruits or berries.
Panna Cotta with fresh berries and Chianti Sauce.

Notes

  • A package of powdered gelatin contains just over two teaspoons of gelatin.
  • Many substitutions are possible here.  For example, part or all of the whole milk can be replaced with yogurt, ricotta cheese, or goat cheese.  Just bloom the gelatin in a third-cup of cold water instead of the milk.
  • Consider finishing your Panna Cotta creation by sprinkling it with chopped pistachios.
Posted: June 2015.