Panna cotta, Italian meaning cooked cream, is an Italian dessert made by simmering together cream, milk, and sugar and gelatin. It is believed to have originated in the Northern Italian region of Piedmont, although it is eaten all over Italy. It is not known exactly how or when this dessert came to be, but some theories suggest that cream, for which mountainous Northern Italy is famous, was historically eaten plain or sweetened with fruit or hazelnuts. Earlier recipes for the dish did not directly mention gelatin, but instead included a step in which fish bones were boiled; this is now known to extract collagen from the bones, which turns to gelatin.
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Panna Cotta with honey and berriesFrom: GalleyChef.org
Light as a feather, creamy and easy. This is a dessert that will satisfy that sweet tooth.
Instructions
Place the half and half in a heavy saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes to soften the gelatin. Stir over medium heat just until the gelatin dissolves but the milk does not boil, about 5 minutes. Add the cream, honey, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Pour mixture through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. Grease 4 ramekins. Pour mixture into ramekins. Cool slightly. Refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours. Remove the panna cotta from the ramekins onto a plate. Spoon berries over the top and serve. Decorate with chocolate drizzle or honey if desired.
Recipe Notes
© Galley Chef All Rights Reserved
These delicious little treats are great along side a cheese tray with the honey and port wine reduction sauce drizzled over a soft cheese.
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Pecans Glazed with honey and Port wine
These delicious pecans glisten with their tasty coating of honey and port. With their crispy, crunchy texture, they are easily a favorite snack food at our house.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, or until lightly browned. 2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the honey, port, pepper and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. 3. Add the pecans to the saucepan, stirring to evenly coat them. Using a slotted spoon, drain the nuts very well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the walnuts on it in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12 minutes, stirring once, or until the nuts are mostly dry; let cool. Separate any nuts that stick together. 4. Meanwhile, simmer the remaining syrup over low heat until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Drizzle it over cheese and serve with nuts.
Recipe Notes
© Galley Chef All Rights Reserved