Hazelnut Panna Cotta With Berry Compote Food

PANNA COTTA WITH BERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• For the panna cotta: Heat the cream, vanilla extract and vanilla bean in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until milk bubbles form at the sides of the pan, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl dissolve the gelatin in 3 tablespoons hot tap water. Stir until the gelatin completely dissolves, about 1 minute.
• Stir the sugar into the hot cream. Add the salt and the gelatin mixture to the cream as well. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, then whisk in the milk and stir again. Pour into the ramekins.
• Refrigerate the panna cotta until set, at least 4 hours. Stored in the refrigerator, the panna cotta keeps for several days.
• For the berry sauce: In a medium saucepot set over medium heat, add the berries, sugar, lemon juice and zest. Bring to a boil and cook until the berries burst and the liquid starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, forcing the berries through by pushing and scraping with a rubber spatula. The more you force through, the thicker the sauce will be (the pulp closest to the seeds contains the most pectin, which is a natural thickener). Let cool completely and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Spoon the sauce over the panna cotta and serve.

HAZELNUT PANNA COTTA WITH BERRY COMPOTE

Steps:

• Place 1/2 cup cream in small saucepan; sprinkle gelatin over.Let stand until gelatin softens, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir 1 1/2 cups cream, crème fraîche, hazelnuts, and 1/2 cup sugar in medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to gentle boil. Remove from heat. Cover; steep 5 minutes. Strain into 4-cup measuring cup, pressing on hazelnuts to release all cream (about 3 cups).
• Stir gelatin mixture over medium-low heat until gelatin dissolves. Whisk gelatin mixture into strained cream. Whisk in Frangelico and vanilla. Divide mixture among six 3/4-cup custard cups. Refrigerate panna cottas until cold and set, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.
• Mix berries and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl; toss to blend. Spoon sugared berries over each panna cotta.

PANNA COTTA WITH FIGS AND BERRIES

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, heat the half-and-half over medium-low until it just begins to simmer. Turn off heat. Add sugar, stir to dissolve, then add lemon peel, salt and almond extract, and let steep while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
• Meanwhile, put gelatin in a small bowl and add 3 tablespoons cold water. Let dissolve, mashing with a spoon to prevent lumps, about 5 minutes. Add to the half-and-half mixture, and whisk well to incorporate.
• Using a fine-meshed sieve, strain into a measuring cup with a spout. Pour mixture into 4 (4-ounce) ramekins, tea cups or wine glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. (It is a good idea to make the panna cotta several hours ahead or up to 2 days in advance.)
• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Make the compote: In a small, wide skillet, a gratin dish, or a pie pan, arrange the berries, then the figs cut-side-up. Sprinkle with the granulated sugar and the kirsch or Calvados. Roast, uncovered until juicy, with most of the liquid evaporated, about 40 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
• To serve panna cotta, run a knife around edge of the ramekins, then invert them over a soup plate or dessert dish. Shake gently to unmold. Surround panna cotta with fruit and roasting juices. (Alternatively, serve in the ramekin or wine glass with fruit on top.)