| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 12 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 456 | 25g | 15g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 1g | 6g | 0.23g |
When it comes to my culinary journey, the Anise-Flavored Panna Cotta holds a special place in my heart. It’s an exquisite dessert with a bold yet delicate flavor, a testament to the magic of Italian cuisine. Whether enjoyed on a balmy summer evening, or as the final course of a grand Holiday feast, this unique dish evokes a sense of nostalgia and wholesomeness that is, quite simply, irreplaceable.
A Taste of Tradition and Innovation
As a kid in New Jersey, I spent many an afternoon with my Italian grandparents, watching them entranced as they breathed life into age-old recipes. It was during these precious moments that I came to appreciate the transformative powers of simple, quality ingredients. This Anise-Flavored Panna Cotta is a perfect blend of my Italian heritage and the creative freedom I’ve embraced in my love for cooking.
This delightful dessert shares certain similarities with the classic Italian custard desserts, yet the anise flavor gives it an edge that sets it apart. If you enjoy the subtle sweetness of cream-based desserts like tiramisu, you’ll find this Panna Cotta equally tempting, if not more so. It’s a wonderful complement to heartier meals, providing a sweet finish without being overwhelmingly saccharine.
Health and Indulgence in a Spoonful
Featuring a bounty of mixed berries, this Panna Cotta is not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a sneaky, delicious way to boost your antioxidant intake. Berries, like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are rich in vitamins and fiber…a true testament that sweetness and health can indeed coexist! The addition of anise extract lends a distinct flavor and also brings a good dose of essential oils and minerals to the dish.
All said and done, my love for this Anise-Flavored Panna Cotta runs deep. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a walk down memory lane, an homage to my roots, a celebration of good health, and above all, a symbol of the simple joy that comes from sharing food made with love. Here’s hoping that this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3/4 cup of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of anise extract
- 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for the berry compote
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Method
Step One
In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the gelatin is softened.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of white sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the softened gelatin, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of anise extract. Keep stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Step Four
Divide the mixture evenly among 6 ramekins or custard cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you prefer, until the panna cotta is set.
Step Five
While the panna cotta is chilling, prepare the berry compote. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of mixed berries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the berries are soft. Allow the compote to cool before using.
Step Six
When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of each panna cotta and invert onto a plate, let it sit for a minute and then lift off the ramekin. Top each panna cotta with the cooled berry compote and serve immediately.
