Vanilla Panna Cotta With Poached Apricots Food

VANILLA PANNA COTTA

Steps:

• Place the cream in a saucepan. Halve the vanilla bean lengthwise; scrape out the seeds with a knife, then add the seeds and pod to the saucepan. Add the sugar and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Discard the vanilla pod.
• Sprinkle the gelatin over the milk in a bowl and let stand until the gelatin softens, about 5 minutes. Stir the gelatin mixture into the hot cream mixture until dissolved, then stir in the yogurt. Divide among six to eight 4-ounce ramekins, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Dip each ramekin three-quarters of the way in warm water and invert onto a plate. Garnish each panna cotta with strawberries and mint, if desired.

HONEY VANILLA POACHED APRICOTS

Steps:

• In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan simmer water, honey, sugar, and vanilla bean, covered, 5 minutes. Add apricots and simmer, covered, until just tender but not falling apart, 2 to 5 minutes, depending on ripeness of fruit.
• Transfer apricots with a slotted spoon to a bowl and boil syrup until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Pour syrup over apricots and chill 25 minutes.

VANILLA PANNA COTTA WITH POACHED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Prepare an ice bath; set aside. Place 3 tablespoons cold water in a large bowl, and sprinkle with gelatin. Let stand until gelatin has softened, about 5 minutes.
• Combine the cream and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add vanilla bean and scrapings. Gently simmer mixture until bubbles form around sides of pan, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Discard vanilla pod.
• Pour hot cream mixture into gelatin mixture, and whisk until combined. Set bowl in the ice bath. Let cool completely, stirring frequently. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a medium bowl. Divide among eight custard cups. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill until set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
• To serve, remove the custard from refrigerator, uncover, and top each portion with two poached apricot halves.