Panna cotta is one of the few desserts where simplicity is the point — cream, a little gelatin, and something worth tasting. Strawberry Saffron Crème Honey infuses the cream with a golden warmth and a floral depth that makes this feel far more considered than the effort involved. The macerated strawberries are the punctuation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp Black Barn Apiary Strawberry Saffron Crème Honey
- 2¼ tsp powdered gelatin (1 standard packet)
- 3 tbsp cold water
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
For the Macerated Strawberries
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 2 tbsp Black Barn Apiary Strawberry Saffron Crème Honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Small pinch of saffron threads, lightly crumbled
Method
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let bloom undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Combine cream, milk, Strawberry Saffron Crème Honey, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until honey dissolves and the cream is steaming — do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat. Add bloomed gelatin and whisk until fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a spouted measuring cup. Pour into 6 ramekins or serving glasses.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
- Macerate the strawberries: toss quartered strawberries with Strawberry Saffron Crème Honey, lemon juice, and saffron. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes — the berries will release their juices and turn a deep amber-pink.
- Serve panna cotta in ramekins or unmolded onto chilled plates. Spoon macerated strawberries and their syrup generously over the top.
Chef's Notes
To unmold, run a thin knife around the edge and invert onto a chilled plate — give it a firm shake. If it resists, dip the base of the ramekin in warm water for 10 seconds. Panna cotta holds in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it ideal for dinner parties. The macerated strawberries are also excellent spooned over yogurt or good vanilla ice cream the following morning.
