Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce

Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce is a classic Italian dessert that is creamy, smooth, and delicious. The combination of the rich panna cotta with the sweet and tangy berry sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.

History

Panna Cotta originated in the Piedmont region of Italy and has been a popular dessert in Italian cuisine for centuries. The name "panna cotta" translates to "cooked cream" in Italian, which perfectly describes the dessert's main ingredient.

Ingredients

Panna Cotta

2 sheets of gelatin
scant 0.5 cup of milk
2.25 cups of heavy cream
0.5 cup of sugar
1 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise

Berry Sauce

1 pt (473 ml) of your favorite berries or cherries
0.25 cup or less of sugar (depending on the sweetness of berries)
0.25 cup of water
optional - mint, lemon juice, lemon zest, etc.

How to prepare

Fill a bowl with water and add the gelatin. Let it soak.
Pour milk into a pan and bring it to just below simmering. Then, remove the pan from the heat. Do not let it boil.
Drain and squeeze out the gelatin. Add it to the milk.
Pour the cream into another pan, add the sugar and vanilla bean, and bring it to a boil over low heat. Stir constantly.
Immediately remove the pan from the heat, remove the vanilla bean, and stir in the milk mixture.
You can put the mixture into any kind of ramekin, mold, or cup you like.
Rinse your 'glass' in ice-cold water, shaking out any excess water, and fill it with the milk mixture.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for several hours until set (at least 3-4 hours).
Turn out the panna cotta onto a serving dish and serve it with fruit sauce or chocolate sauce.
Put the berries, sugar, and water in a pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the fruit breaks down and forms a syrup.
Drizzle the fruit syrup over the top of the panna cotta once it is on the serving plate.

Variations

You can use different types of berries or fruits to make the sauce, such as raspberries, strawberries, or peaches.
Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, to the berry sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the gelatin in water before adding it to the milk to ensure it dissolves properly.

- Be careful not to let the milk boil when heating it, as this can affect the texture of the panna cotta.

- Chill the panna cotta in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours to ensure it sets properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce chilled and garnished with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing and elegant presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the cream mixture constantly when heating it to prevent it from scorching.

- Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the berry sauce for a smoother consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have gelatin sheets, you can use powdered gelatin instead. Follow the package instructions for the equivalent amount.

- You can use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the panna cotta a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

- The berry sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the panna cotta in individual ramekins or molds for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish the dessert with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Riesling.

- Enjoy this dessert after a light Italian meal of pasta or grilled fish for a perfect ending to your meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover panna cotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

- Reheat the panna cotta gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Panna Cotta: Approximately 300 calories per serving

- Berry Sauce: Approximately 50 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Panna Cotta: Approximately 20g of carbohydrates per serving

- Berry Sauce: Approximately 15g of carbohydrates per serving

Fats

- Panna Cotta: Approximately 30g of fats per serving

- Berry Sauce: Approximately 1g of fats per serving

Proteins

- Panna Cotta: Approximately 3g of proteins per serving

- Berry Sauce: Approximately 0.5g of proteins per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Panna Cotta: Contains calcium and vitamin D from the milk and cream

- Berry Sauce: Contains vitamin C and antioxidants from the berries

Alergens

Panna Cotta: Contains dairy (milk and cream)

- Berry Sauce: May contain allergens depending on the type of berries used

Summary

Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates but relatively low in proteins. It is a delicious treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The creamy panna cotta paired with the sweet and tangy berry sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy this classic Italian dessert with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria who lived in the countryside. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of vanilla and cream. Maria was busy stirring a pot on the stove, her face glowing with excitement.

"Come over here, I want to show you something," Maria said, motioning for me to join her at the stove. She lifted the lid off the pot and revealed a smooth and creamy mixture that looked like a cross between custard and jelly.

"This is Panna Cotta," Maria explained, "It's an Italian dessert that is incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. I learned this recipe from my grandmother who used to make it for me when I was a little girl."

I watched as Maria poured the mixture into small ramekins and placed them in the refrigerator to set. She then took me out to her garden where we picked fresh wild berries to make a sauce to top the Panna Cotta.

As we sat down to enjoy our dessert, I took my first bite and was blown away by the creamy texture and delicate vanilla flavor. The fresh berry sauce added a burst of sweetness and tartness that perfectly complemented the Panna Cotta.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged Maria to teach me how to make Panna Cotta and she graciously agreed. Over the next few weeks, I visited her often, learning the ins and outs of making this delectable dessert.

I quickly discovered that the key to a perfect Panna Cotta lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh cream, whole milk, and real vanilla beans is essential to achieving the smooth and velvety texture that is characteristic of this dessert.

I also learned that the secret to a successful Panna Cotta is patience. Allowing the mixture to set properly in the refrigerator is crucial to ensuring that it holds its shape when unmolded.

As I mastered the art of making Panna Cotta, I began experimenting with different variations of the recipe. I added flavors like lemon zest, coffee, and even lavender to create unique and exciting twists on this classic dessert.

One day, I decided to host a dinner party for my friends and serve my homemade Panna Cotta as the grand finale. I carefully plated each serving, topping them with a generous spoonful of fresh wild berry sauce.

As my friends took their first bites, their eyes widened in delight. They showered me with compliments, praising me for creating such a decadent and delicious dessert.

From that moment on, my Panna Cotta became a staple at all of my gatherings and dinner parties. I loved being able to share this recipe with my loved ones and watch their faces light up with joy as they savored each spoonful.

Years passed, and my love for cooking and sharing recipes only grew stronger. I collected recipes from friends, family, cookbooks, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, but none could compare to the magic of the Panna Cotta with Fresh Wild Berry Sauce that I learned from my dear friend Maria.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that recipe has taken me on. It has brought me closer to friends, family, and strangers alike, uniting us in the simple pleasure of good food and shared memories.

And so, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that it brings you as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me. May you continue to explore the world of cooking with an open heart and a curious mind, always seeking out new flavors and experiences to savor and share with those you love.