1envelope of unflavored gelatinabout 1 tablespoon – I used the Knox brand
2Tbsp.of cold water
2cupsheavy cream
1cuphalf and half
1/3cupsugar
Caviar from one vanilla beanor 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
6large strawberriessliced
Instructions
In your small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 2 Tbsp. of cold water and let it stand for about a minute to soften. Heat gently over low heat until the gelatin dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, half-and-half, and vanilla bean caviar (or extract). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is just starting to steam with tiny bubbles forming around the edges. Do not let it come to a full boil.
Take the pan off the heat and pour in the gelatin mixture.
Divide the hot cream mixture into six dishes (each needs to hold 2/3 cup) and cool until they reach room temperature. Divide the sliced strawberries evenly among the six dishes.
Chill the panna cotta, covered, overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Serve as-is, or remove the panna cotta molds onto a plate. To remove the panna cotta molds to a plate, dip the ramekins one at a time into a bowl of hot water for about 3 seconds. Then run a thin knife around the inside edge of each dish and invert it onto the center of a small plate.
Notes
To store Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap or store them in airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.For best results, consume within the first two days to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.