Monday, February 10, 2014

Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry

 
 
Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry
 
Happy Early Valentine’s Day to all of you.  I know, it’s not Valentine’s Day until Friday, February 14th.  But this year’s Valentine’s day is more special because the Chinese Valentine’s Day (January 15th on the Luna Calendar), also falls on February 14th (the Western Valentine’s Day as we all know).  Sounds a little confusing?  Never minded.  Let’s just look at that as another excuse reason to celebrate with your loved ones and eat some desserts without feeling guilty. 
 
Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry
 
I don’t know why but I think strawberries are very romantic and always associate them with Valentine’s Day.  Maybe because of their vibrate red color, and the lovely pink hue that they yield when mixing them into desserts?  I simply adore the beauty of strawberries, and my kids always agree.  
 
Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry

This Valentine’s Day, let me present to you this decadent Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry.  The panna cotta is slightly sweet, tender, smooth and has the melt in the mouth texture.  The Macerated Strawberry is sweet and tart at the same time, the strawberries are slightly softened but still remain a good bite to them.  In this case, a perfect pair with the panna cotta.  I serve the Panna Cotta with a couple of Vanilla Bean Sweetheart French Macarons on the side for a different texture.  Traditionally, Panna Cotta is inverted onto a dessert plate before serving, just like the one shown on the picture below.  But, I also love to serve them in individual tea cups, which make them a little more adorable and easier for my kids to handle.

Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry

In case you like to serve them the traditional way, here’s a little pictorial to show you how.

1) First, place the chilled panna cotta in a bowl of hot water for a few seconds.
2) Wipe the bottom of the ramekin with a paper towel so the condensation doesn't go into your dessert.
3) Cover the ramekin with the dessert plate you intended to serve the panna cotta on.
4) Carefully invert the plate along with the ramekin. Keep your fingers crossed!  Remove the ramekin and spoon on the macerated strawberries.

P.S. If the panna cotta doesn't fall onto your dessert plate easily, dip the ramekin in the hot water for a few more seconds and repeat the steps.  The length of time needed depends on the temperature of your water.  The hotter the water, the less time is needed.    

Pictorial

This is such a simple dessert to make, but it got the “Wow” factor.  I hope you’ll give this a try and I’m sure the sweethearts in your lives will love it just as much as mine.  At least, my two little Valentines are totally in love with this dessert.   

Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry

I hope you enjoy today’s post and recipe.  And remember, we shouldn't just celebrate with our loved ones only on Valentine’s Day (although it’s always nice to do something special on this day).  You can make everyday special and lovely when you show your love; with a warm hug, a gentle kiss, or softly whisper “I love you” to those who you care about.  It could be Valentine’s Day all year round. 

Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry

 
 


Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry: (Printable Recipe)

Ingredients for the Panna Cotta:
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1 1/4 cup low fat milk, divided
1 pound fresh strawberries
6 tablespoons sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In a heat proof bowl, dissolve gelatin and 1/4 cup milk, set aside and let it rest for 5 minutes.

In the blender, process strawberries, remaining 1 cup of milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract and lemon juice until smooth. Pour through a fine sieve into a large bowl, discard any solids.

Heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds until liquid-fied.
Whisk the gelatin mixture into strawberry puree until well combined. Evenly pour into molds or serving cups.
Chill for at least 8 hours, or preferable overnight.

To unmold, dip molds in a small bowl of hot water 5 to 10 seconds, then invert panna cottas onto dessert plates and remove molds. Serve with macerated strawberries.


Ingredients for the Macerated Strawberry:
1/2 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 tablespoon of sugar (I used vanilla sugar)

In a medium bowl, gently toss strawberry slices with lemon juice and sugar.  Let mixture steep in room temperature for 15 minutes.
 
 
Strawberry Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberry
























23 comments:

  1. The perfect color dessert for Valentine's Day, Amy! It looks so beautiful and delicious. I've never tried making panna cotta before but who doesn't need a little comforting dessert with the winter we've been having!

    BTW, if you've tried to come to my blog recently, it's been locked by Blogger. Someone has been trying to embed malicious codes in blogs and mine was one of a few dozen hacked in the past couple of months. Hopefully, Blogger will clear my site soon and my friends will be able to join me once again!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  2. love this so pretty have a wonderful valentines

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  3. Amy, this pannacotta looks delicious!!
    What a nice idea for Valentine´s Day...
    Have a nice week and Happy Valentine´s Day!!!

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  4. Beautiful! So romantic! You have a nice collection of plates I envy.

    I taught group of young girls to make Valentine theme chocolate spoon and it was hit!
    Thanks and Happy Valentine's Day

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  5. Your panna cotta looks so beautiful, sure everyone tastes it could feel the sweetness of love! Happy Valentine Day!

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  6. Wow.. that looks amazingly beautiful and perfect. A perfect dish for Valentines!!!

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  7. It looks so amazing and romantic!! :)

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  8. So beautifully presented, Amy. The lovely photos remind me of SPRING!

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  9. Love the little individual tea cup servings, so dainty and just perfect so I do not overindulge.... wishing you a lovely Valentines day.

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  10. Hello Amy, I love to eat strawberries. The tea cup servings look really nice. I like what you said about making everyday valentines day with loved ones.

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  11. I had no idea Chinese Valentine's Day had a different day than Western Valentine's day. Well this really is a special year. I would love to make this, this is so cute!

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  12. Your two little valentines are very smart. These are stunning, Amy and I know they taste superb!

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  13. Pure Perfection.
    Stunning China & Presentation, Amy. Xxx

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  14. Any way you serve it is beautiful! Looks so smooth too, Amy. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  15. Amy, I love the presentation in the tea cups- simply divine! (Fran from G'day Souffle' http://www.gdaysouffle.com)

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  16. Happy valentine's day to you, too! Love this! Too cute...

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  17. I love deserts in tea cups! You're always so creative... sending you lots of hearts!

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  18. Linda panna-cotta muy deliciosa ,feliz dìa,saludos y abrazos.

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  19. The panna cotta looks so pretty in those lovely tea cups. I am sure they tasted great.

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  20. What a lovely panna cotta, I love the addition of the strawberries :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  21. Hey, This post is looking so good and Amazing! refreshing and rejuvenating blend of strawberries. A very well made post with beautiful pictures. I've bookmarked this special recipe of yours and would love to give it a shot soon. Thanks for sharing your well prepared and presented posts. Shall look forward to your next post.
    Have a wonderful week ahead. Take care.
    Thanks & Regards, Sonia!!!

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  22. Wow, what a fancy looking panna cotta,
    just perfect to celebrating romance.....

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