homemade Panna Cotta:

Ingredients:

For the Panna Cotta:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons cold water

For the Raspberry Coulis (Optional):

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Start by preparing the Panna Cotta:
  2. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom and soften.
  3. If you’re using a vanilla bean, slice it in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a saucepan. Add the whole vanilla bean pod to the pan as well. If you’re using vanilla extract, you’ll add it later.
  4. In the same saucepan, add the heavy cream and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot but not boiling. Remove it from the heat.
  5. If using a vanilla bean, remove it from the mixture at this point. If using vanilla extract, add it now.
  6. Stir the bloomed gelatin into the hot cream mixture until it’s fully dissolved.
  7. Divide the Panna Cotta mixture among your serving dishes. You can use ramekins, small glasses, or any other containers you prefer. Allow them to cool to room temperature, and then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
  8. If you want to make a Raspberry Coulis to serve with your Panna Cotta:
  9. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring and mashing the raspberries, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
  10. Strain the coulis through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.
  11. Allow the coulis to cool before serving.
  12. Once your Panna Cotta has set in the refrigerator, you can serve it chilled. If you’d like, pour some raspberry coulis over the top of each Panna Cotta before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Panna Cotta! It’s a delightful dessert that’s creamy, silky, and perfect for any occasion.