Panna cotta is my new favorite dessert to make and I know I’m going to have fun experimenting with all sorts of accompaniments this Summer. My only regret is not trying to make it earlier in my life–why was I so intimidated? Maybe because it’s a relatively sophisticated dessert and I just assumed it took forever to make. However, I have to say that making homemade pudding or mousse is more time-consuming than making panna cotta. This dessert comes together in a cinch! In fact, if you have ten minutes, then you have time to make panna cotta. Added bonus: it requires just a handful of ingredients.
Goodness…how many desserts can tout such a resume?! And, like all recipes requiring just a few components, it’s important to make ‘em good as there is no place to hide 
Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made by combining heavy cream, sugar, unflavored gelatin and good vanilla. Sometimes a little milk is added too, it just depends on the recipe you’re using. This week I made David Lebovitz’ Perfect Panna Cotta recipe, which was delicious, but I know there are others out there that are probably just as good–in a different way (note: I used a vanilla bean in lieu of pure vanilla extract, hence the tiny dots on the top of my panna cotta). Like chocolate cookies, there are many yummy ways to make the same thing.
Have you made panna cotta? What do you like to put on top of your panna cotta? I’m a huge fan of berry coulis, fresh berries and lemon curd but would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. It seems something chocolate-y would be amazing too…
image by Stephanie Brubaker
