Panna Cotta

By CheeseDiva

Ingredients

• 3 cups cream, or 1 1/2 cups cream and 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 package (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or to taste) or 1 vanilla bean
• 1/2 cup sugar

Details

Adapted from allrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Put 1 cup cream in a medium saucepan and sprinkle gelatin over it; let sit for 5 minutes. Turn heat to low and cook, stirring, until gelatin dissolves completely.
• 2. If using vanilla extract, add remaining cream and sugar to gelatin mixture and heat gently, just until sugar dissolves; add vanilla and proceed to Step 3. If using vanilla bean, cut it in two, lengthwise. Scrape out seeds; add seeds and bean pod to pot, along with the sugar and remaining cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until steam arises. Turn off heat, cover, and let steep for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Remove vanilla bean, if you used it. Pour mixture into 4 large or 6 small custard cups. Chill until set, about 4 hours. Serve in cups, or dip cups in hot water for about 10 seconds, then invert onto plates. Serve within 24 hours.