Panna cotta

Panna cotta is a delightful Italian dessert made from sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and then molded into an elegant shape. It can be infused with flavors like coffee or vanilla, or other ingredients to suit your taste. Although its exact origins are somewhat obscure, similar desserts have existed since the 19th century. The name "panna cotta" however, only gained popularity in the 1960s. This dessert is often associated with Italy's Piedmont region.

The traditional panna cotta recipe includes cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and gelatin. Occasionally, a splash of rum or marsala wine is added for extra flavor. The mixture is typically poured into molds lined with caramel at the bottom, creating a visually appealing layered effect.

Panna cotta made its way to the United States in the 1990s and quickly became a trendy dessert. The preparation involves warming cream and dissolving sugar in it, then adding any desired flavors and gelatin. The mixture is then poured into molds and left to set. When it comes to serving, popular garnishes include berry coulis, caramel or chocolate sauce, and an assortment of fruits or liqueurs.

If you're curious how panna cotta compares to similar desserts, consider Bavarian cream, which includes eggs and whipped cream, or blancmange, which can be thickened with gelatin, isinglass, or starch. While panna cotta is sometimes confused with custard, they are distinct. Custard is thickened with egg yolks, not gelatin.