Panna Cotta

Years ago on the banks of Lake Como, Italy the sun danced on the water, boats sailed in the distance, dozen of tourists intoxicated by the beauty that surrounded them walked up and
down the cobblestone streets weaving in and out of the stores. There we sat my husband and I enjoying the most exquisite meal. That day seems like a dream now.  After we finished our pasta and cantaloupe with prosciutto we had the most creamy dessert accompanied with tangy-sweet strawberries puree called Panna Cotta.  If you know me by now, I love all things chocolate, but this one dessert has my heart.  The crazy thing it is so simple to make and yet so decadent that you can serve it a dinner party and totally impress your guest.

Panna Cotta

4 cups of cream or half and half

1/2 cup of sugar 

2 teaspoons of vanilla

2 packets of gelatin

6 Tablespoons of water

1 lemon for zesting

Berry Puree

2 cups of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries

2 tablespoons of water

1/4 cup of sugar

In a bowl combine gelatin and water.  Stir until gelatin is dissolved.  In a saucepan combine cream, sugar, and vanilla and heat to the stage just before a boil.  Then pour the heated cream over the gelatin and stir with a whisk making sure all the gelatin is dissolved.  Pour the mixture into 8 lightly greased ramekins. Place in the refrigerator for two hours to allow for the Panna Cotta to set up. While the Panna Cotta is setting up in a saucepan combine berries, water, sugar and cook on medium heat until the berries come to a boil and lower heat and cook for an additional couple of minutes.  If necessary.with a fork or a potato masher mash berries so that they are completely broken down. Pour mixture through a strainer over a bowl to separate out the skins and seed from the puree.  Place sauce in the refrigerator to cool.  When the mixtures have cooled take a knife around the edge of the ramekin to release dessert from the dish turn upside down on a plate and spoon puree around the sides of the dessert.  The zest lemon on top and around the edge of the plate.  This all may sound difficult, but I can guarantee you it is super easy.  

Have a Happy Weekend!  Do you have anything exciting planned for the weekend?  Our son Winston is returning from Boy Scout camp.  I am so excited to see him.  I missed him so much! Sadly for me, my husband is leaving for a week to go scuba diving in Bonaire    He is so excited!