Lavender Honey Panna Cotta Recipe
Why Chefs Will Love This Recipe
The Lavender Honey Panna Cotta recipe is a unique twist on a classic Italian dessert. It captures the elegance and simplicity of panna cotta, with a distinctive pairing of lavender and honey that enhances its delicacy and elegance. The floral notes of lavender add a sophisticated touch, while the sweetness of honey complements the creaminess of the dessert. The addition of fresh berries adds both a visual and flavor contrast, making it a hit for chefs seeking a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Fresh berries for garnish
Additional Spices to Enhance Flavor:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adding this will bring a touch of warmth and depth to the dessert.
- A pinch of salt: This will help balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors more.
- Grated zest of half a lemon: This adds a slight tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the dessert.
- A pinch of ground cardamom: It provides an exotic, sweet-spicy note that pairs wonderfully with honey and lavender.
Instructions:
- Pour the milk into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften.
- Meanwhile, heat the heavy cream, honey, and lavender in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.
- Once the honey has dissolved, remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 15 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
- After steeping, return the saucepan to the heat and bring it to a simmer. Remove from heat and strain the cream to remove the lavender.
- Add the softened gelatin to the warm cream, stirring until the gelatin completely dissolves.
- Divide the mixture among six ramekins and let it cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- To serve, top with fresh berries.
Serving Size:
This recipe serves 6.
Cooking Tips:
- Be sure to use culinary lavender, which is safe to eat, rather than decorative lavender.
- Don’t let the cream mixture boil when heating it; a gentle simmer will do.
Serving and Side Suggestions:
This panna cotta is a dessert in itself and doesn’t require a side. However, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of sweet dessert wine.
Variations:
- Add some chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
- Swap out the fresh berries for a drizzle of fruit coulis.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you can’t find culinary lavender, you can substitute it with lavender extract. Use about 1/2 teaspoon, adjusting to taste.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Panna cotta can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best served chilled and does not need reheating.
Leftover Suggestions:
If you have leftovers, enjoy them as a simple, refreshing dessert the next day. Or, you could even have it for breakfast, like a luxurious version of yogurt and berries!
Health Benefits:
Panna cotta is a source of protein and calcium. The berries add antioxidants and vitamins, while the honey is a natural sweetener that is easier on your blood sugar than refined sugar.
Nutrition Information and RDA values:
Per serving, this dessert has approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 18g
- Calcium: 150mg (15% of RDA)
- Vitamin C: 15mg (20% of RDA if topped with berries)
Shopping List:
- Heavy cream
- Honey
- Culinary lavender
- Unflavored gelatin
- Whole milk
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Lemon
- Ground cardamom
