Panna Cotta with Spiced Pear Purée
Panna cotta is an easy-to-make Italian dessert with a silky, custard-like texture and rich, creamy flavor. It's easy to adapt by including seasonal ingredients too, and this recipe, with its cinnamon-spiced pear puree is the perfect finish for a fall feast.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the gelatin:
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin about 5 teaspoons
- 1/4 cup water
For the panna cotta:
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the spiced pear purée:
- 4 ripe pears peeled and chopped
- 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or more to taste
Instructions
- Place the water in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin evenly on top. Stir gently and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes as you prepare the cream mixture.
- Heat the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Slowly pour the cream mixture into the gelatin mixture, stirring gently until the gelatin is has dissolved completely into the cream.
- Transfer the panna cotta mixture into eight (8) individual serving dishes. Cover and refrigerate until firm (3 to 4 hours).
Make the pear purée:
- Place the pears, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and begin to break down.
- Remove from the heat and purée the mixture until smooth with an immersion or conventional blender, or a food processor (see notes). Stir in the cinnamon and transfer to a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving:
- When ready to serve, top each portion of panna cotta with the pear purée.
Notes
To achieve an extra-smooth texture for the pear puree, press it through a sieve or fine-mesh strainer before chilling.
Nutrition
Calories: 426 | Total Fat: 33g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 41mg | Carbohydrates: 29g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Protein: 6g