Classic Panna Cotta: A Silky Italian Dessert

The opulent, no-bake delicacy known as panna cotta, or "cooked cream" in Italian, has a subtle vanilla flavour and a velvety texture. This dish calls for few ingredients and little work, making it ideal for dinner parties or as a sweet treat. For a sophisticated touch, serve it with caramel sauce or fresh berries!

Ingredients (Serves 6):
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
2 tsp powdered gelatin (or 2 gelatin sheets)
2 tbsp cold water
Pinch of salt

Utensils Needed:
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups/spoons
6 ramekins or serving glasses
Fine-mesh strainer (optional)

Prep time: ten minutes
4+ hours of chilling (or overnight)
4 hours and 10 minutes in total

Directions
To bloom the gelatin:
Place the gelatin in a small basin with cold water.  Let sit until spongy, 5 to 10 minutes.

Heat the Cream Mixture:
Put the cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a pot.  Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves; do not bring to a boil.  Take off the heat and mix in the vanilla.

Gelatin Dissolution: 
Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the heated cream until it dissolves completely.  If using vanilla beans, strain.

Pour the mixture:
Into ramekins and chill them.  Refrigerate until firm, 4+ hours or overnight.

To serve:
Submerge ramekins in warm water for ten seconds and then turn them over onto plates.  Add fruit coulis, caramel, or berries on top.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 320kcal
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 26g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 20g

Pro Tip for Perfect Panna Cotta:
For a smoother texture, strain the mixture before pouring into ramekins.