The first time I ever had panna cotta was in Lake Como, Italy. I had been traveling in Europe on business and then went to a seminar an American friend was giving in northern Switzerland. I’m not sure how an add on trip came to be but some friends joined me for a four-day excursion around the Lombardy Lake region of Italy. We scaffolded together a rough plan, booked a few hotels and took off to explore, eat, drink and relax.
We stayed at the Palace Hotel in Lake Como. It was quite grand; old and, well, palatial. The rooms were gorgeous and felt like staying in a palace (or what I imagine staying in a palace would feel like). What I really loved about the trip was lazing in the midafternoon over cups of thick, serious espresso and desserts. We’d sit outside on a patio with a view of the lake and while away the time, pondering deep topics and complete frivolity alike.
This was where I first experienced panna cotta. Thick and creamy, it reminded me of a more sophisticated cousin to a pudding or custard, yet with more elegance and distinguished form. It was cool on the steamy afternoons by the lake. I loved the light flavor, and silky consistency as it sat primly in a small rounded dome on my dainty plate, never slouching or sloppy looking.
Somehow it was not until years later I realized I could make panna cotta myself. I’m not sure why it had never occurred to me. Perhaps my memories of the trip and the sophisticated setting were so intertwined with the regal dessert that I could not imagine making the it in my simple home kitchen. But I got over that quickly! Panna cotta must be one of the easiest desserts both to make but also to flavor uniquely. It is a cream based dessert made with gelatin which gives it the proper, unrelenting form. A few ingredients, a few minutes, a long chill and dessert is served.
I’m always up for a challenge and couldn’t resist creating an unexpected version of panna cotta with a blueberry guava gelatin. The presentation is so fun and much like making panna cotta itself, creating this geometric surprise presentation is quite easy too. It’s done in a two-part process. First making the fruit gelatin and allowing that to gel on its side and then filling the little tumblers with the panna cotta. Aren’t they cute? The hardest part is waiting until they are ready to be devoured!
Recipe
Blueberry Guava Panna Cotta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guava Nectar
- 2 packets Unflavored Gelatin
- 3 1/2 cups Frozen Blueberries Thawed
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Lime Zest
Instructions
To Make the Blueberry Guava Gelatin:
- In a small microwaveable bowl combine the guava nectar and one packet of gelatin. Stir to combine and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Place the fully thawed blueberries in the blender and blend to fully puree. The required amount is 1 1/2 cups of puree. Add more berries if needed to yield 1 1/2 cup.
- Place the bowl with gelatin in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir the gelatin mixture. Combine the gelatin and puree in a large liquid measuring cup to make pouring easy. Stir to fully combine.
- Place the tumblers on their side in the cavities of a mini muffin tin (refer to photo). Gently pour the gelatin mixture into each container until the liquid is almost at the edge of the glass. Place into the refrigerator and allow to chill until firm; approximately 2 hours.
To Make the Panna Cotta:
- In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup of the milk and the second packet of gelatin. Stir to combine and set aside for 10 minutes.
- In a heavy, medium size saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of milk, cream, and the sugar. Over medium-low heat stir the mixture constantly to fully dissolve the sugar and heat the liquids (should not simmer or boil). Add the gelatin mixture, whisking it together until the gelatin have dissolved into the liquid. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lime zest.
- Remove the containers from the refrigerator and set them upright on a small baking sheet. Pour the cream mixture into a large liquid measuring cup (to ease pouring into the containers).
- Pour the cream mixture into the containers until it almost reaches the top and meets the top most point of the blueberry-guava gelatin making a geometric pattern.
- Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator and allow the panna cotta to fully set; about 4 hours.
Nutrition
This Blueberry Guava Panna Cotta recipe is a contribution to Food Fanatic in my role as as the Naturally Gluten-Free Fanatic.
Brandy says
This looks like a super yummy treat! I will have to try to make it.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I never heard of panna cotta before. This looks tasty.
You have done some interesting traveling.
Roxana says
Those are gorgeous! I love how you made them. Just a stunning presentation!
Theresa says
I have never tried panna cotta before, but it sounds incredible! And, it looks really pretty, too!
Diana Elizabeth says
That is the most beautiful glass of ANYTHING in it I’ve ever seen! So brilliant to have it on an angle on muffin pans!!!! Genius! looks delicious!
Sarah Bailey says
Oh my goodness this sounds amazing! I love the idea of doing it to the side it make that fantastic effect. x
Pam says
Your panna cotta looks beautiful! I love guava and blueberry so I know this would be a big hit with me.
MELISASource says
Holy moly! That looks beautiful AND delicious. It seems pretty easy to make, too. I’ll have to give it a try.
Kiwi says
this is definitely an elegant dessert. I love the formation of it with the two tone look and flavors I must try panna cotta for myself one day!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is seriously one of the most impressive desserts I’ve seen. I love how you took it to the next level with angling the glasses like that. Gorgeous.