Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta is one of those desserts you see in restaurants and you think to yourself, "oh sweet, creamy, delicate panna cotta... I will never be able to make you on my own.." after-which you use every ounce of your self-control to savor each baby-spoonful and cry the ugly cry when you finish.
Cry no more, with a little help from the LA Times , the Panna cotta code has been cracked. With its delicate balance of jiggle and creaminess, the Panna cotta is a great summer-time dessert that can be whipped up at home with almost no effort. Serve this light and creamy cloud with a sweet berry sauce for a restaurant-worth treat tonight.


2 1/2 cups of cream
1 1/2 cups of whole milk
5 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of gelatin
1 vanilla bean or 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
8 ramekins

Bring the vanilla, cream and sugar to a simmer, stir in the gelatin, whisk vigorously for a minute or two and pour into ramekins. Chill in refrigerator until firm

Makes about 8 servings