Vanilla Bean Easy Panna Cotta | 25 Days of Christmas Recipes

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

vanilla bean

🥗Healthier: vanilla extract

💰Cheaper: vanilla essence

Vanilla extract is easier to find and less expensive.

fruit puree

🥗Healthier: fresh fruit

💰Cheaper: canned fruit

Fresh fruit provides natural sweetness and flavor.

Into a medium saucepan, add the milk.

Slice the vanilla bean in half using a pairing knife and remove the vanilla caviar (seeds) from inside.

Add the vanilla caviar to the milk and whisk.

Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin on top of the milk and let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom.

Prepare an ice bath by adding ice and cold water to a large bowl and set aside.

After 10 minutes, place the saucepan on medium-high heat and warm the milk while mixing, about 2 minutes, without letting it simmer or boil.

Add the empty vanilla pod to the milk for extra flavor.

Once you see steam, add the heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt, whisking to dissolve the sugar.

Heat the mixture on medium to low heat for another 3 to 5 minutes without letting it simmer or boil, then remove the vanilla pod and take the pan off the heat.

Transfer the custard into a clean metal bowl to cool faster, then place the bowl in the ice bath and stir every few minutes for about 10 to 15 minutes.

After cooling, transfer the custard into a pitcher for easier serving or leave it in the bowl.

Pour the panna cotta into serving dishes and cover with plastic wrap.

Store in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours or overnight to set.

Once set, remove the plastic wrap and top with fresh strawberries, strawberry jelly, homemade strawberry syrup, or homemade strawberry marmalade.

Add a mint leaf on top for color if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens