Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert of sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and molded. The cream may be aromatized with, coffee, vanilla, or other flavorings.

Ingredients

cooking spray  1 1/2 cups

whole milk  3 teaspoons

powdered gelatin  1/3 cup

sugar   1 1/2 cups

heavy cream 1 teaspoon

pure vanilla extract 

pinch of salt

Method

1. Spray the ramekins with cooking spray.
2. Pour the milk into the saucepan and sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over top and let it soften for 5 minutes.
3. Set the pan over low heat and warm the milk gently, stirring or whisking frequently. 
4. The gelatin will dissolve quickly as the milk warms.
5. Dip a spoon in the milk and check the back for distinct grains of gelatin.
6. Stir the sugar into the milk and continue warming until it dissolves as well.
7. Remove the pan from the heat. 
8. Whisk in the cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
9. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins and put in the refrigerator to chill.
10. Fill a large bowl partway with warm to hot water. 
11. Wipe a dessert plate with a damp paper towel.
12. Run a thin knife carefully around the sides of a ramekin. 
13. Don't slide the knife all the way into the cup, just release the top edge of the pudding from the edge of the cup. 
14. Dip the ramekin in the warm water up to its rim, and hold it there for about 3 seconds.
15. Invert the ramekin over the plate and shake gently to help the panna cotta fall out. 
16. It should fall out on the plate easily. (If it does not, return to the warm water bath in increments of 2 seconds.) Serve immediately.