Valentines Day; make it sweet.

Panna cotta is incredibly easy to make, and if it takes you more than ten minutes to put it together, you’re doing something wrong. I had made it many times without realizing what a fool-proof dessert it was, until I tasted it in one of my favourite restaurant in London, Assaggi.
Panna Cotta is a lovely Italian dessert that literally means "cooked cream". It contains only a few ingredients; cream (and/or milk), sugar, and vanilla that are set with gelatine. This ivory coloured, custard-like pudding has a rich flavour and silky smooth texture that takes only minutes to prepare - and your valentine will love it!



Receipt:
½ litre cream
50 gr. Suger
4 plates gelatine
1 vanilla

Panna Cotta:
To start, place the gelatine in a small bowl with water and let this mixture sit for about 5 - 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the cream, vanilla and sugar in a saucepan and bring it slowly to a boil, stirring to dissolve the powdered sugar.
Once the cream is very hot, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the gelatine. Stir until the gelatine is completely dissolved.
Pour the cream into the prepared molds or in coffee cups, place in the refrigerator to chill for
2-4 hours, or until set. Make sure to cover with cling film. The Panna Cotta can be made one to two days before serving.
To unmold: Dip the molds into hot water for a few seconds and then invert the Panna Cotta onto a plate. For perfect consistency and flavour, take them out of the refrigerator a few hours before serving.

Serve with fresh berries and fruit sauce, or simply with an espresso shot.

Assaggi
39 Chepstow Place
London, W2 4
Phone: 0171 79 5501

/ Arne