Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is such a magical dessert. It's so incredibly simple to make for such a timeless and classy dessert. There are so many ways to flavor and prepare Panna Cotta. It truely is a versitile dessert for any occasion. Here is a "root" vanilla bean panna cotta that you can dress up any way you choose. Here's all you need to make it:

Photo byLily

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 quart) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean pod, scored lengthwise, and seeds scraped
• 1 1/4 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
• 3 Tbl water
• Mixed berries

In a medium - sized saucepan, combine the cream, sugar, vanilla bean and bean seeds. Stir to combine well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and cover with a lid or foil and let it sit for 15 minutes to steep.

In the meantime, sprinkle the gelatin over the water in a small bowl and let it stand for 5 minutes. Gelatin should be fully moistened.

After cream has steeped for 15 minutes, remove the lid or foil and bring to a simmer again over medium heat. Remove from heat and add the gelatin mixture. Stir until completely dissolved then remove the vanilla bean pod.

Pour panna cotta into 8, 4oz ramekins or dessert cups. (If you plan to serve it inverted, remember to spray the inside with cooking spray for an easy and clean release). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set (minimum 3 hours). I prefer at least overnight for flavors to develop, but it can be made up to 3 days prior to serving.

Top with mixed berries when ready to serve.