Valentines Day Strawberry Panna (Printable Version)

Silky vanilla cream dessert topped with fresh strawberry sauce and hints of mint, ideal for romantic treats.

# What You'll Need:

→ Panna Cotta Base

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1/2 cup whole milk
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 tsp powdered gelatin
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Strawberry Sauce

07 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
08 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
09 - 1 tsp lemon juice

→ Garnish

10 - Fresh strawberries, sliced
11 - Mint leaves

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, sprinkle powdered gelatin over whole milk and allow to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until fully bloomed.
02 - In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves completely and mixture is hot but not boiling.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat. Add bloomed gelatin mixture to hot cream and whisk vigorously until gelatin is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
04 - Stir in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the cream mixture.
05 - Divide mixture evenly among 4 serving glasses or ramekins. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until completely set.
06 - Combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release their natural juices.
07 - Lightly mash strawberries with the back of a spoon for a chunky consistency. For a smoother sauce, blend until reaching desired texture. Allow to cool completely before serving.
08 - Spoon cooled strawberry sauce generously over each set panna cotta serving.
09 - Top each dessert with sliced fresh strawberries and fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Effortlessly elegant: Just 20 minutes of hands-on preparation yields a dessert that looks like it came from a fine dining restaurant.
  • Make-ahead friendly: The panna cotta chills for at least 4 hours, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining—prepare it the day before and relax on the evening itself.
  • Naturally gluten-free: Every ingredient in this recipe is free from gluten, so guests with dietary sensitivities can indulge without worry.
  • Customizable: The strawberry sauce is just the beginning—raspberries or mixed berries work beautifully as well.
  • Only a few ingredients: Heavy cream, milk, sugar, gelatin, vanilla, and fresh strawberries are all you need to create something extraordinary.
02 -
  • Bloom the gelatin properly: Always sprinkle the powdered gelatin over cold milk and allow the full 5 minutes for blooming—this ensures a smooth, lump-free panna cotta.
  • Do not boil the cream: Heat the cream until hot but not boiling to preserve the gelatin's setting power and the cream's delicate flavour.
  • Strain for perfection: Pour the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before filling the glasses to catch any undissolved gelatin particles.
  • Chill overnight for best results: While 4 hours is the minimum, chilling the panna cotta overnight gives it an even more refined, set texture.
  • Sauce consistency is your choice: Mash the strawberries lightly for a rustic, chunky sauce or blend it smooth for a glossy coulis—both are equally delicious.
  • Serve straight from the fridge: Panna cotta is at its best when served cold, right before it begins to soften at room temperature.
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